Preston North End have been excellent in the Championship this season, defeating newly-relegated Premier League sides despite being knocked out of the Carabao Cup early. This league priority could benefit Paul Heckingbottom’s side.
Wins over Ipswich Town, Leicester City and Derby County have exemplified North End as a clinical, defensively-focused outfit who are immense at home. Deepdale has been turned into a fortress once more, with Heckingbottom crediting the home supporters and travelling fans with being the Lilywhites’ 12th man at times. Specifically against the Rams, a sold out away end watched Alfie Devine score a stunning goal to secure all three points.
Defence First
Possession isn’t a necessity for PNE, with a specific impetus on defence first. Lewis Gibson has been a huge asset at the back for Heckingbottom’s side, with Andrew Hughes improving drastically on a concerning season last campaign. Jordan Storey has seen an incredible upturn in performances, even keeping highly-rated Odel Offiah out of the side.
Utilise the Exceptional Midfield Assets
The midfield has been one of Preston’s strong points this season. Having been often frustrating under Ryan Lowe and the first stages of Heckingbottom’s tenure, North End have adopted a ball-playing role for captain Ben Whiteman. Instead of completely bypassing the midfield at times, the Lancashire side now use the number four as a proper base in a three-man midfield. The former Doncaster Rovers has been rejuvenated in this new role and massively important in Hecky’s plans.
Ali McCann – arguably one of the most underrated midfielders in the Championship – and Harrison Armstrong – on-loan from Everton – will provide each other with a tremendously high level of competition in the box-to-box role. Armstrong’s tendencies for getting stuck in and McCann’s endless stamina will bode well for the Lilywhites across a gruelling run of fixtures in winter. Alfie Devine’s latest inclusion in the Preston squad showed how talented the Tottenham Hotspur loanee can be when given license to roam forward in a freer role.
Upcoming Fixtures and Early Performance
An upcoming run of games with high-flying Bristol City, hit and miss Hull City and Charlton Athletic, could be an excellent avenue for points as Heckingbottom’s side look to build on the aforementioned wins against top opposition. Table leaders Middlesbrough, had to settle for a point after their visit to Deepdale – with a scrappy, late equaliser still seeing Preston become the only side to not lose to Rob Edwards’ team so far this campaign.
If the North End can keep up this momentum over a broader stretch of the season, then the Lilywhites could stake a distant claim as a play-off candidate, considering just how open this league is so far. Although it’s a stretch, the former Sheffield United manager may be able to replicate a promotion push campaign – this time with Preston.
