The inside track on Preston: How Alex Neil's side have fared and who Middlesbrough will have to keep an eye on

We caught up with Preston reporter Dave Seddon from our sister title the Lancashire Evening Post to get the inside track on the Lilywhites.

1. How has Preston’s season gone so far?

Mixed to say the least, with a clear preference to playing away. At Deepdale, they have won only once in the league and taken four points. Away, they have won five, drawn one and lost only twice. They've won at Brentford, Reading, Bournemouth, Huddersfield and QPR on their travels, drawing at Norwich.

2. What formation are Preston Likely to play?

4-2-3-1 is Alex Neil's go-to formation although he has occasionally switched to 3-4-1-2.

3. Who are the players Boro will need to keep an eye on, and what’s the latest on injuries?

Scott Sinclair and Tom Barkhuizen have both been among the goals this season from the wings, while Ryan Ledson has impressed in the centre of midfield. This is Ledson's third season at Preston but he's emerged from being a squad player to having a key role.

They've plenty of injuries, the one of real note being Ben Pearson. He damaged ankle ligaments against Wycombe last Saturday and will be ruled out for a few weeks. Left-backs Andrew Hughes and Josh Earl are both sidelined at the moment, Billy Bodin has had keyhole surgery on his knee and Paul Gallagher has had a hamstring strain recently. Daniel Johnson is suspended for this game (five yellow cards).

4. What is the aim for Preston this season?

The play-offs are always the aim. For the last three seasons PNE have been in contention at some stage or another for the top six, but dropped out. Last season, they went top briefly and were in the top six until well into the restart games. Whether they have the financial clout to achieve the top six, I'm not sure.

5. Finally what’s your score prediction for the match?

I'll be brave and go 1-0 to Preston - their home form suggests otherwise!

Predicted Preston line-up: Rudd; Fisher, Huntington, Davies, Rafferty; Ledson, Browne, Barkhuizen, Potts, Sinclair; Maguire.

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