Preston North End predicted XI vs Birmingham City with key man a major doubt
PNE make the trip to the Midlands on Wednesday evening
Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom looks likely to be without captain Ben Whiteman on Wednesday night.
The Lilywhites, who fell to their first defeat in five games last weekend, now make the trip down to Birmingham City - who are level on 57 points with PNE. Last time out, the North End skipper was forced off inside 15 minutes of the clash against West Brom.
Whiteman, who has started every league game bar one this season - when he was suspended - trudged down the tunnel in clear discomfort. Post-match, Heckingbottom said the number four had injured his hip.
He will join Ali McCann, Robbie Brady, Callum Lang and Jamal Lewis on the sidelines, unless any of the first three return to the squad. Lewis is out for the season but Heckingbottom has said he expects McCann, Brady and Lang to all feature again this campaign.
And, speaking post-Baggies, the PNE boss anticipated at least one return for the visit to Chris Davies’ side. As far as the starting XI goes, though, it would be a surprise to see any of them in it.
Changes could well be made in all outfield areas, mind. In Heckingbottom’s eyes Preston were ‘outfought’ against West Brom, so a freshen up would come as little surprise. Pol Valentin, Andrija Vukcevic and Milutin Osmajic will fancy their chances of a start.
Jordan Thompson was also the replacement for Whiteman, so the summer signing looks in line to make his ninth league start of the season. Thierry Small is another option out wide while Liam Lindsay may be turned to in the heart of defence.
Predicted PNE XI vs Birmingham City
XI: Daniel Iversen; Jordan Storey, Lewis Gibson, Andrew Hughes, Pol Valentin, Alfie Devine, Jordan Thompson, Andrija Vukcevic, Brad Potts, Lewis Dobbin, Milutin Osmajic.