Having started the season with two wins – the first time the club has done that since 2000 – North End go into the game feeling good about themselves.

The fixture comes after the official opening of the new Invincibles Pavilion, with Sir Tom Finney set to cut the ribbon at 12.30pm.

Irvine would like to mark the occasion with another victory, but admits Neil Warnock's side will be out to ruin the party.

"I expect Palace to be up there competing for at least a play-off place this season," Irvine said.

"Neil made a huge difference to them when he went there last season and they are a good team with a number of good players."

Irvine made four changes for Tuesday's cup tie and he admits the performances of some individuals had given him plenty of food for thought.

"It is the best sort of selection headache for a manager because we have a lot of players in form," he said.

"We also have plenty of players fit and desperate for a chance. So I have a lot of thinking to do."

Youl Mawene was rested from the midweek game after complaining of slight soreness in his knee at Ipswich. But he is expected to return.

Chris Brown could come into the reckoning if he has fully recovered from the hip problem which caused him to miss the opening two games.

"Hopefully we will get a big crowd for this game because the occasion deserves a big crowd.

"I want us to get back to Deepdale being a really difficult place for teams to come to."

The turnstiles will be open from 12.30 with a host of pre-match entertainment, including Elvis impersonator Martin Fox, girl group Vogue and opera singer Mario Amerao.