Preston v Oldham preview

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Preston boss Simon Grayson must consider the fitness of Lee Holmes and Keith Keane ahead of the rescheduled League One encounter.

Holmes opened the scoring in fine style during Saturday’s comfortable 3-0 win over struggling Scunthorpe but the former Southampton winger was forced off shortly before half-time with a tight hamstring.

Utility man Keane, who successfully switched from full-back to a midfield role over the Easter period, will require hernia surgery in the near future and it remains to be seen how many more games he can be nursed through.

The duo’s potential absences could mean opportunities to start for midfielder John Welsh and winger Jeffrey Monakana.

Long-term absentee Scott Laird (broken leg) is back in training but not yet ready for first-team action.

Oldham manager Lee Johnson has plenty to ponder.

Johnson tasted defeat for the first time in four matches in charge of the Latics at the weekend as Carlisle held out for a 2-1 victory at Boundary Park.

The Cumbrians capitalised on a lacklustre first-half showing from their hosts, prompting Johnson into a triple change at the interval.

Kirk Millar, David Mellor and Matt Smith were introduced in place of Connor Brown, Robbie Simpson and Lee Barnard and all three could push to start at Deepdale having played their part in a much improved showing after half-time.

Lee Croft remains Johnson’s only injury doubt with a foot injury although the former Manchester City winger has not suffered a break.

Preston v Oldham preview

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Preston boss Phil Brown is likely to be without the services of Neil Mellor.

The striker, who has netted eight goals this term, is struggling with an ankle injury that has seen him miss the last two matches and is again unlikely to participate at Deepdale.

Fellow forward Iain Hume limped off in Saturday’s defeat to Huddersfield with a knee injury and is a major doubt for Tuesday’s clash.

Jamie Proctor could play against the Latics and against Bournemouth on Saturday, but is set to undergo a hernia operation next week that will see him occupy the sidelines for at least four to six weeks.

Brown may opt to make changes as he tries to find a winning formula after four straight defeats, with experienced midfielder Graham Alexander hoping for a promotion from the bench.

Oldham manager Paul Dickov is boosted by the return of Zander Diamond.

The defender missed the home win over Wycombe on Saturday with a back injury, but, despite recovering, may have to be content with a place on the bench after the Latics kept a clean sheet against Gary Waddock’s struggling side.

Filipe Morais suffered cramp at the weekend and was replaced by Matt Smith five minutes from time, but should be fit enough to compete at Deepdale.

Dean Furman is likely to retain his place after scoring in his first start since knee surgery, with Tom Adeyemi, who made way for the returning midfielder, likely to be named among the substitutes once again.

Striker Reuben Reid remains on the sidelines for around another five to six weeks with a thigh problem, while midfielder Josh Parker is also some way off returning to the first-team fold due to a knee injury.