Preston North End predicted XI vs Hull City as duo backed for returns - including Watford man

Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom is anticipated to make some changes for Easter Monday's trip to Hull City.

The Lilywhites are back in action three days after their last gasp defeat to Queens Park Rangers, at Deepdale. PNE's boss vented his frustration after that loss and is expected to freshen things up, as a result.

North End have only won one of their last 12 league games and sit six points clear of 22nd Luton Town, with three matches left to play. Heckingbottom's options in midfield remain thin but changes elsewhere look likely.

Ryan Ledson, Brad Potts and Ali McCann will miss out again along with first choice goalkeeper Freddie Woodman, so Dai Cornell will keep his place between the sticks for the rest of the campaign.

Defender Jack Whatmough is the other absentee for PNE. In defence, Watford loan man Ryan Porteous could come back into the XI along with January recruit Lewis Gibson - who dropped to the bench for the first time, on Friday.

Another alteration could see Robbie Brady shift back into a central role, like at Leeds United, with Brentford loanee Jayden Meghoma returning to the XI on the left flank. One of Sam Greenwood or Mads Frokjaer may well drop out.

Preston predicted XI

Predicted PNE XI vs Hull City: Dai Cornell; Ryan Porteous, Liam Lindsay, Lewis Gibson, Kaine Kesler-Hayden, Ben Whiteman, Stefan Thordarson, Jayden Meghoma, Mads Frokjaer, Robbie Brady, Milutin Osmajic.

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