Stockport have injury crisis for buoyant Preston clash

Stockport County face an injury crisis ahead of the clash with Preston.

Aaron Wilbraham (ankle), Jarkko Wiss (Knee), Lee Jones (Knee) and Kevin Cooper and Ali Gibb (both virus) are struggling to be fit for the Edgeley Park clash.

Both teams are in form - County have only lost one of their last 12 games while Preston come into the match off the back of a 5-0 drubbing of QPR.

But County assistant manager Dave Moss has confidence in his side to clinch the vital three points.

"Preston have done well since they came into the First Division," he said.

"They've got some good players and scored five goals on Saturday, but we're hoping it will be a case of after the Lord Mayors' Show on Tuesday.

"But we know what we've got to do and our players are scrapping for everything. We beat them in the cup and drew with them in the league so we are confident."

Meanwhile, Preston boss David Moyes looks set to unleash his three-man strike force of Brian McBride, David Healy and Jon Macken.

The trio all scored in Saturday's five-goal demolition of QPR and although McBride sustained an ankle injury in the game he is expected to be fit.

Graham Alexander, who returned to training last week after five weeks on the sidelines with a broken rib and punctured lung, is expected to be in the squad, while Sean Gregan (knee) and Steve Robinson (ankle) remain long-term absentees.

But Moyes knows his rejuvenated side face a tough test against a Stockport outfit that has only lost once in the last 12 games.

"Stockport have been tough opposition this season," he said. "We've played them twice this year in the FA Cup and the league and not managed to beat them once.

"But we know exactly what we've got to do. Stockport need the points to make sure they climb the table so I expect a tough game. But in this division I expect nothing other than difficult games."