Boro were beaten 1-0 at Stoke on Saturday after defender Nathan Collins headed home the only goal of the game at the Bet365 Stadium.
Our Middlesbrough writer Joe Nicholson has picked the side he would start at Preston - scroll down and flick through the pages of our picture gallery to see if you agree:
5. LB: Marc Bola
Has won his place at left-back after nearly leaving on loan during pre-season. Photo: Clive Brunskill
6. CM: Sam Morsy
Has started Boro's last two games after recovering from a hamstring injury. Photo: Alex Pantling
7. CM: Jonny Howson
Has started every league game this season and captained the team against Swansea and Stoke. Photo: Getty Images
8. CM: George Saville
Didn't have his best game at Stoke but has performed well in a box-to-box midfield role this season. Photo: Getty Images