Opinion: Where Blues could win or lose Vs. Preston North End

Blues face Preston North End at Deepdale tonight and here are my thoughts on where the game could be won and lost for Gary Rowett’s men.

The return of Jon Toral…

Having missed Saturday’s goalless draw with Middlesbrough through injury, Blues are ready to welcome back Jon Toral for the trip north.

Andy Shinnie deputised for the recently impressive Toral, however the Scot failed to make any significant mark and was substituted after 71 minutes at the Riverside.

Toral adds that extra bit of flair and quick thinking which is a massive bonus for a side that play on the counter attack. With Toral`s ability to pick out passes and link up with fellow attackers, he could be a massive difference between the two sides tomorrow.

I am looking forward to him linking up with James Vaughan and I think the two will work well together. Toral already has four goals to his name so far this season with three of the coming away from home and he could be the key that unlocks a solid Preston defence.

Wing wizards…

Simon Grayson`s side are extremely difficult to score against with Jordan Pickford already keeping 11 clean sheets so far this season but I think our two wingers, Demarai Gray and Jacques Maghoma could cause their back line all kinds of problems.

Having two quick, skilful wingers are incredibly handy for Blues as they are both available as an outlet when the pressure is on.

When both are on form, they are unplayable. We need to get the ball to both wingers and encourage them to positively take on the Preston full backs. Add to that a final product, whether it be an assist or goal, and you have a big chance of winning the game.

The Lilywhites Joe Garner…

Having failed to score in his first 16 Championship games of the season, Preston`s Joe Garner has now scored in three of his last four.

The striker`s goals were key to helping North End gain promotion to the Championship last season and Blues will have to be aware of him.

He may be a diminutive figure but Garner doesn’t let that faze him. He is a strong competitor and could run both Michael Morrison and Jonathan Spector ragged.

Add to that his relationship with fellow striker Will Keane and the two could prove to be the difference in a what could be a very tight game.

Key player for Blues?

If Blues are to win this game then I think James Vaughan could be key to it.

The striker provides us with plenty of movement and pace as opposed to Nicolai Brock-Madsen. If he makes the runs then the likes of Stephen Gleeson and Toral are likely to find him.

We have only scored one goal in our last four games and Vaughan needs to prove that he can be the man to get those goals whilst we continue to cope without Clayton Donaldson.

Blues fans, do you agree with the points that have been highlighted? Do you think James Vaughan will be key for us? Let us know in the comment section down below!