Planning is already well underway behind the scenes at Deepdale as Paul Heckingbottom prepares for his first summer transfer window in charge.
There will be some familiar trips to the likes of Middlesbrough, Stoke City, Derby County, Sheffield Wednesday and more, while Leicester City, Charlton Athletic, Wrexham, Ipswich Town, Wrexham and Southampton are back in the calendar.
The Lilywhites have signed Jordan Thompson and Daniel Iversen as they look to improve on their 20th-placed finish last term.
But where could PNE finish?
Well, we’ve taken to the world of AI, specifically X’s Grok tool, to predict the final 2025-26 Championship standings. Here where North End are expected to end the campaign.
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1. 1st: Ipswich Town
Prediction: Strong squad with talents like Jack Clarke and a proven manager in Kieran McKenna. Bookmakers favour them for promotion, and their recent Premier League experience suggests they’ll dominate. | Getty Images
2. 2nd: Southampton
Prediction: With Will Still as manager and parachute payments, they’re well-positioned for a top-two finish. Their squad depth and potential signings make them strong contenders. | Getty Images
3. 3rd: Leicester City
Prediction: Despite financial power and a strong squad, a potential points deduction could hinder their title chances. They’re still likely to secure a play-off spot. | Getty Images
4. 4th: Sheffield United
Prediction: Beaten play-off finalists with a competitive squad. They’re expected to push for a top-six finish. | Getty Images