Football FanCast columnist Brett Cullen reflects on the fine work of Alan Irvine and feels that the club board should back his ventures so he can get Preston North End back challenging in the Championship next season.

It's been a long old season for Preston North End, full of ups and downs, oohs and aahs, but it's now time to breathe a sigh of relieve. Championship status for next season is secure and Alan Irvine can now wipe the slate clean and prepare for next year.

Football FanCast columnist

Sunday see's the second Merseyside derby of the season as the red side of the city face the blue side at Anfield for Liverpool's clash with Everton.

Only two points separate the sides as they both fight hammer and nail to win the final Champions League spot, this following Rafa Benitez's side's slip up at Old Trafford last week and Everton failing to go level on points with The Reds after drawing at home to West Ham.

Football FanCast continues their Big-Match feature and today's focus inevitably is going to be the Grand Slam Sunday showdowns. In our 2nd installment of the two part feature, we will look ahead to the huge North West showdown at Old Trafford.

They say the rivalry between these two sides is one of the fiercest and today certainly promises to be no different. Manchester United needs the three points to retain their stranglehold at the top of the Premier League while Liverpool would love nothing more than to put a dent in their great rival's hopes. It promises to be one hell of a contest and a thrilling climax to this festive feast of football.

Football FanCast continues their Big-Match feature and today's focus inevitably is going to be the Grand Slam Sunday showdowns. In our first of a two part feature, we will focus and look ahead to the derby at Stamford Bridge.

It is the first billing on Grand Slam Sunday and it promises to be a hotly contested derby in a snow swept London. Arsenal arrive in West London looking to end a wretched run of results which has seen them lose their once 5pt lead and also bring an end to Chelsea's excellent home record which goes back to 2004.

After the success of last week's Big Match Build-up, we aim to carry on our 100% record. We are not one to blow our own trumpet but after last weeks successful 3-0 prediction at Anfield, we are confident in maintaining our run.  

Football FanCast Big Match Build-Up this week focuses on Tottenham's tussle with Manchester City at Eastlands, where the home side will aim to secure their first home League win since mid December. 

Football FanCast and Preston columnist Brett Cullen reflects on PNE's latest success under the Deepdale floodlights and believes that Alan Irvine has reason to be a little more optimistic than he suggests.

After Preston North End came from a goal down to beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 at Deepdale on Tuesday evening, Lilywhites manager Alan Irvine stated that the club's target is to reach the 54 point mark so that PNE can maintain their Championship status. But is this a rather pessimistic view from the man who has turned the clubs fortune around this season?