HIGH-flying Preston could be top of the table come Saturday morning, if they can clip the Magpies' wings!

North End have brought their game with current league-leaders Notts County forward 24 hours so fans can watch England's vital clash with Scotland on Saturday.

A win could see them go top of the table for the first time this season, but with mixed fortunes on the injury front, it's going to be tough on Friday.

With Farid Diaf ruled out for another four to six weeks after suffering a depressed fracture to the cheek during his debut on Saturday against Colchester, Preston will have to make do without his impressive flair once again.

His original three month contract was extended when he pulled his groin 48 hours before the start of the season and this latest injury, revealed on the Citizen's website, This is Lancashire, on Monday, looks set to further scupper David Moyes' hope of adding a continental influence to his side.

Moyes said: "It is disappointing news for us. If we have Farid back within six weeks we will have done well."

And there is further bad news for young striker Steve Basham, who has also been dogged with injury since his arrival at Deepdale.

After overcoming a hernia operation and knee surgery, the ex-Saints star went over on his ankle in training last Friday, ruling him out for another three weeks!

Michael Appleton, also out with a knee injury, is due to resume full training this week but probably won't be fit in time for the weekend.

However, Dominic Ludden, pictured, and Brian Murphy could be back in contention after coming through a practice match unscathed earlier this week, while Paul McKenna has also been passed fit for the game.

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