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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9. 9th: West Brom
Prediction: Consistently competitive, they’re poised for a play-off push but may fall short of the top six. | Getty Images
10. 10th: Wrexham
Prediction: Their momentum from League One and financial muscle should ensure safety, but the Championship’s intensity may limit them to mid-table | Getty Images
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11. 11th: Bristol City
Prediction: A stable Championship side, likely to finish mid-table based on recent form and squad consistency. | Getty Images
12. 12th: Watford
Prediction: Expected to hover around mid-table, with enough quality to avoid relegation but not enough to challenge for promotion. | Getty Images