Preston North End boss ready for Premier League Leicester test with big guns set to feature

Preston North End boss Ryan Lowe is expecting a tough test when his side play Leicester City this afternoon at Deepdale.
By Tom Sandells
Published 23rd Jul 2022, 06:00 GMT
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It will be North End’s final pre-season game of the summer before they open their Championship fixture list with a trip to Wigan Athletic on July 30.

The Foxes will travel to PR1 putting their best foot forward, as PNE have an agreement in their contract for the friendly that they must field a strong side.

Leicester City's James Maddison, who was voted their player of the season last season, in action during pre-season.Leicester City's James Maddison, who was voted their player of the season last season, in action during pre-season.
Leicester City's James Maddison, who was voted their player of the season last season, in action during pre-season.
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It is an interesting scenario as Premier League Leicester will also be playing League One Derby County on the same day.

Not many of the Preston players have played 90 minutes so far in pre-season and despite them only having one more chance to do so, that is unlikely to change.

Lowe said: “I didn't realise they're playing at Derby as well but I believe they are contracted to bring a strong team which will be good for us to test ourselves against a good Brendan Rodgers team that I quite like watching.

"He's a fantastic coach and manager. It will be interesting to see what team they bring but it's just about the minutes for our lads and how we can defend and set up against a Premier League team.

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“A lot of our lads now, if you asked them to, they could have played 90 on Wednesday but I'm always on the cautious side.

"If they play 70 or 80, or 45, I'm not really bothered because they've been training like Trojans for five weeks.

"I'm quite happy with where they are fitness-wise, if they play 90 then great if they don't then it's about me having them fit and available for next Saturday.”

Lowe has been ringing the changes during pre-season and that will not end this afternoon.

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He continued: “Lads will catch up who didn't play many minutes on Wednesday because I want them all to have had the same minutes and John Lucas (fitness coach) will have looked at that for us, and who needs what.

"It's not about finishing the pre-season with a strong performance it's about finishing it with a 20-man squad full fit - that's what I'm hoping for.

"If I've got everyone to pick from for the Wigan game I'll be happier than finishing with a good performance.”

Related topics:Ryan LoweLeicesterPremier LeagueDeepdale