Team news

Lilywhites without Coutts Paul Coutts is out of Preston's home match against Leicester.

The midfielder underwent surgery on Monday for a long-standing groin and hip injury and will miss the game against the Foxes.

Winger Keith Treacy has also been suffering from a niggling groin problem but he is likely to play through the pain barrier.

Youl Mawene is again available for selection after missing Saturday's 1-1 draw with Coventry on compassionate leave as is on-loan Elliott Ward, who was ineligible to play against his parent club.

Meanwhile defender Liam Chilvers is doubtful with a slight ankle knock, but Darren Carter (knee) is still missing.

Chris Sedgwick has returned to full training following his knee problem but this game could come too early for him to return.

Leicester will be without in-form striker Steve Howard as they look to secure the win that will guarantee them a Championship play-off spot.

Howard had scored three goals in four matches prior to his red card early in the second half of last weekend`s 4-1 home victory over Watford.

The 33-year-old begins a three-game suspension so James Vaughan, who came off the bench to score his first City goal against the Hornets, is in line to make his first start for the club alongside fellow loanee Martyn Waghorn.

Richie Wellens was withdrawn as a precaution just before the hour mark against Watford after complaining of a tight hamstring but the midfielder is expected to be fit.

Preston vs Leicester

Last modified 15:27 26/04/10

King reigns for Foxes Andy King struck his 10th goal of the season in the 63rd minute to hand Leicester a 1-0 victory over Preston that books their place in the Coca-Cola Championship play-offs.

Midfielder King produced a fine strike after collecting possession on halfway, driving at the heart of the Preston defence and smashing the ball into the net.

The Foxes began promisingly and went close in the third minute when Lloyd Dyer collected possession and hit a fierce shot which drew a fine block from defender Elliott Ward.

Four minutes later, Preston's on-loan midfielder Matt James engineered the space to drive a 20-yard shot over the crossbar.

However, Leicester continued to probe and in the 17th minute former Liverpool defender Jack Hobbs advanced forward and struck a shot from 35 yards which Keith Treacy did well to block.

North End winger Ross Wallace was then booked for unsporting behaviour and Leicester carved out a clear-cut opening shortly before the half-hour mark.

On-loan striker James Vaughan found himself unmarked six yards from goal but he could only mishit a poor shot wide of the target.

The Foxes were then dealt a blow in the 36th minute when Michael Morrison sustained an injury and was replaced by Nolberto Solano.

Yet Preston were also affected by injury at half-time as goalkeeper Andy Lonergan, who has enjoyed another fine campaign at his hometown club, was forced off and replaced by Wayne Henderson.

Preston were almost caught cold two minutes after the restart when Paul Gallagher crossed dangerously for Martyn Waghorn to hit a right-foot shot from six yards which flew over the crossbar.

The pendulum continued to swing to and fro and Leicester goalkeeper Chris Weale did well to punch a deep cross from Billy Jones away from danger in the 54th minute.

Three minutes later, King sent a dipping volley just wide from 20 yards but he made no mistake in the 63rd minute.

It was a fine effort which saw him take matters into his own hands by picking up possession, advancing forward at pace and then seeing his progress halted on the edge of the Preston 18-yard box.

However, he quickly got to his feet and struck a fierce right-foot shot into the net to give the Foxes the vital breakthrough.

Visiting boss Nigel Pearson then withdrew Lloyd Dyer and replaced him with Nicky Adams in a tactical switch as Leicester sought to soak up the pressure.

Yet the Foxes had the chance to extend their lead as Waghorn lobbed narrowly over the bar from 12 yards out.