Birmingham City vs Preston North End early team and injury news - four out and three doubts

Preston North End make the trip to Birmingham City this evening.

The Lilywhites are looking to bounce back from their home defeat to West Brom. Chris Davies’ side are on the same number of points as PNE - 57 - and will aim to build on four points from their previous two outings, against Hull City and Wrexham.

Here is the team news from both camps...

Preston North End

There is a fresh concern for the Lilywhites with Ben Whiteman having been forced off last Saturday. Whiteman suffered a hip issue after 11 minutes and was not moving well at all, as he trudged down the Deepdale tunnel.

Manager Paul Heckingbottom hoped to welcome at least one player back for this one, when asked after the loss to Albion. Robbie Brady is the likelist to do so, having trained fully last week. The Irishman has endured an injury-hit year and sustained a hamstring issue while away with the Republic of Ireland last month.

Ali McCann (ankle) and Callum Lang (hamstring) have also been sidelined for a number of weeks, but the PNE boss expects them to play again before the season finishes. Jamal Lewis (ankle) is out for the campaign.

Doubts: Ben Whiteman, Robbie Brady. Out: Ali McCann, Callum Lang, Jamal Lewis

Birmingham City

Davies hopes Bright Osayi-Samuel will shake off his dead leg and be fit enough to feature against PNE. He was forced off after 50 minutes last weekend and if not ready, Ethan Laird is in line to start. The draw with Hull saw defender Alex Cochrane welcomed back, after three months out. Fellow left-back Lee Buchanan remains out with a knee injury.

Doubt: Bright Osayi-Samuel. Out: Lee Buchanan