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.
. PRESTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 15: Ryan Lowe, Manager of Preston North End speaks to the media after the Sky Bet Championship match between Preston North End and Millwall at Deepdale on April 15, 2022 in Preston, England. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
PRESTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 15: Ryan Lowe, Manager of Preston North End speaks to the media after the Sky Bet Championship match between Preston North End and Millwall at Deepdale on April 15, 2022 in Preston, England. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images) Photo: Lewis Storey
. GK: Freddie Woodman
Brought in as first choice goalkeeper this summer, and starting all of the pre-season, it looks impossible that the former Newcastle United man won't be the starting stopper on the opening day. Photo: Kelvin Stuttard
. CB: Jordan Storey
Despite being shipped out on loan to Sheffield Wednesday last season, to his surprise, it looks likely that Storey comes straight back into the fold. His departure was more to do with freeing up funds than his quality so he'll be looking to make his mark again in the Championship. Photo: Charlotte Tattersall
. CB: Liam Lindsay
Although Patrick Bauer has generally been first choice down the middle of the back three in recent months, in pre-season it seems the Scot Lindsay has taken over. His comfort on the ball will play a part in that as well as good considtency since joining. Photo: CameraSport - Dave Howarth
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