Preston North End manager Simon Grayson shared his thoughts with pnefc.net on Thursday afternoon ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup tie with Barnet.
The former Leeds United manager is not expecting an easy game despite the difference in leagues and he believes Barnet do have the players to hurt Preston if they’re not prepared.
Speaking on Thursday Grayson stated that Barnet are a good team and that the Lilywhites can expect a tough game.
“Barnet are a good team; they are just outside the Play-Offs at the moment in the Conference and not so long ago were a league team.
“There is not a lot of difference between the Conference teams and League Two teams at this moment in time. Most of them train full-time and we know we can expect a tough game.”
Grayson continuing by analysing the Bees’ style of play and explained that they will play the ball out from the back like teams that his side have struggled against this season.
“They are similar to MK Dons, they like to play the ball out through the back, playing with the holding midfielder and will probably play 4-5-1, so it will be a system we have to try and break down, because we didn’t manage that against Tranmere and Crewe who played the same system.
He continued: “They pass the ball well and have some threats in the wide areas. We will give them the respect they are due, but if we are where we should be then we can get the right result.”
To ensure an upset doesn’t occur Grayson revealed that even more preparation than usual is taking place at the Lilywhites’ training ground.
“We are doing even more preparation than we might normally do for a league game, because we need to do. This is not an easy tie for us, even though we are at home.
“They have some players who can hurt you on a day and it is difficult because we don’t watch Conference football every week. We have had three or four DVDs sent through and we are taking the game very seriously.”
A tough game for the Bees was made even more difficult by Grayson stating that he has a full-strength squad to choose from.
“Gally has trained this week and the more game time we get into him it will be the better for him and for the football club. He’s in good shape and hopefully we see a lot more of the glimpses of what he showed last week.
“Josh Brownhill should join in training today; so we should have a full squad available to us. Jack King is ready and even though we didn’t get a game into him this week he has looked strong and ready to be involved.”
