Preston North End's predicted line-up for Championship opener away at Wigan Athletic
There is a big test awaiting Ryan Lowe’s side against the League One champions but he would also argue it’s a tough time to play PNE.
There have been six incomings so far this summer, with Freddie Woodman, Dai Cornell, Ben Woodburn, Robbie Brady, Troy Parrott and Alvaro Fernandez all joining the club, the latter two on loan.
But what will Lowe’s first team of the season look like? We give it a go predicting it.
But what will Lowe’s first team of the season look like? We give it a go predicting it.
5. RWB: Brad Potts
Although there is now a bit more competition on the right side for Potts -in that Brady could play out there, McCann would be on his favoured right foot and Alan Browne has done a job out there in the past - it could well be that Potts continues on from last season out on the right. Photo: Lewis Storey
6. CM: Ben Whiteman
Like Hughes, Ben Whiteman's place in the team is never in doubt. He plays the deeper role in midfield so well and keeps PNE ticking which is vital in a style of play centred around possession. Photo: CameraSport - Dave Howarth
7. CM: Alan Browne
It's hard to see the team named without the skipper in it, a player that Ryan Lowe trusts. There have been calls for him to play at right wing back but he hasn't started a game there this summer. Photo: Clive Brunskill
8. CM: Daniel Johnson
The Jamaican has been a creative force in the middle for PNE and again, as with Browne, he is trusted by Lowe and has shown a good partnership in the centre with Browne in front of Whiteman. Photo: Lewis Storey