FULL throttle Preston North End hope to inch even closer to lifting the Division Two championship trophy this weekend - but one man will be out to stop them.
Former enemy-in-the-camp Kurt Nogan returns with his new team, Cardiff City, determined to score not only to prove a point but also to help save his side from relegation.
David Moyes knows the significance of the game, and also of Kurt's record of scoring against his former clubs, but says his back four will treat him like any other obnoxious striker.
Moyes said: "We always knew Kurt would face us so soon after his move. He is a good player and one who gave us good service.
"I am sure he will be keen to score but we will be just as keen to make sure he doesn't."
Nogan likened his move to Cardiff as 'going to a team who are treating every game as a cup final.'
North End are having to do the same, but for a different reason - they need to stay top. And after Tuesday's wonder win against Wigan, Moyes was quick to quash fears he will struggle to get his team motivated for Saturday. He said: "It's true, I will motivate them differently, as I do with every team we play. Cardiff need the points as much as we do because they need to stay up.
"But unlike Wigan, who came at us - as we did at them - it is probable that Cardiff will stay behind the ball in an attempt to get a point.
"It is a complement that teams play that kind of football when they face us, but we know what we have to do. It may not be pretty, but it is points which matter now.
"We haven't won anything yet."
Sean Gregan will miss Saturday's game after picking up a back injury in Tuesday's game. Colin Murdock will also have to sit it out with a thigh strain, and Dominic Ludden is not yet fit.
Michael Jackson, whose nose was blooded but not broken on Tuesday, will become captain, while Rob Edwards probably continue in his role in defence with Paul McKenna possibly deputising for Gregan.
Failing that, Edwards might be pushed forward with Julian Darby getting a rare look in.
Moyes added: "It is important we don't lose key players at this stage, but if we do, I am confident I have a squad which can cope with it."
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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