Preston North End are sitting within touching distance of the Championship play-off places after they edged out Portsmouth at Deepdale on Saturday.
In what was a tight and nervy contest, Paul Heckingbottom’s men claimed what could be a crucial three points as Alfie Devine’s fine header proved to be the difference between the two sides when the full-time whistle was blown.
There is a fascinating battle going on for places in the top six of the Championship table and there are some crucial fixtures lying ahead as several play-off contenders go head-to-head over the coming weeks.
Preston will have to build on the momentum gained by their win against Pompey and a positive end to the January transfer window - but who do North End and their play-off rivals face over their next five games?
Your next Preston North End read: The John Smith Column: Win over Pompey vital for North End ahead of important period in season
9. 11th: Watford - 44 points
14/2 Preston North End (A) 21/2 Derby County (H) 24/2 Ipswich Town (H) 27/2 Bristol City (A) 7/3 Wrexham (H) | Getty Images
10. 12th: Queens Park Rangers - 44 points
14/2 Blackburn Rovers (H) 21/2 Hull City (A) 24/2 Southampton (A) 28/2 Sheffield United (H) 8/3 Middlesbrough (H) | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
11. 13th: Stoke City - 43 points
11/2 Charlton Athletic (A) 21/2 Leicester City (H) 25/2 Oxford United (H) 28/2 Coventry City (A) 7/3 Swansea City (A) | Getty Images
12. 14th: Southampton - 43 points
10/2 Leicester City (A) 21/2 Charlton Athletic (H) 24/2 Queens Park Rangers (H) 28/2 Sheffield Wednesday (A) 7/3 Norwich City (H) | PA