Preston North End head to the Riverside this weekend looking to get back on track after a difficult few weeks
The Lilywhites have lost their last three games across all competitions, without scoring a goal. However, after midweek Championship action, Paul Heckingbottom’s remain sixth in the table as they go into battle with second placed Boro.
Milutin Osmajic will be unavailable after his late red card against Hull City on Tuesday night, for violent conduct. Brad Potts’ knock will likely see him join Daniel Iversen, Andrew Hughes, Andrija Vukcevic and Robbie Brady on the sidelines.
Here is our predicted PNE XI to start at the Riverside.
5. RWB: Pol Valentin
Valentin can be pleased with his consistency this season. With Brad Potts set to miss out he is the obvious selection on the right flank. | Getty Images
6. CM: Ben Whiteman
Admitted the team were miles off it last time out and will be aiming to lead them to a positive result at the Riverside. | CameraSport - David Horton
7. CM: Ali McCann
The Northern Ireland international could well find himself back in the team after being dropped out on Tuesday night. | CameraSport - Richard Martin-Roberts
8. LWB: Thierry Small
Jamal Lewis has been starting games of late. Small is a player PNE need back at his confident best, though, and he is a real threat on his day. This may be a game that suits him, offensively, in Heckingbottom's eyes. | CameraSport - Richard Martin-Roberts