Preston North End predicted XI vs Wycombe Wanderers with changes made but hosts still strong
PNE take on the Chairboys this weekend in the FA Cup fourth round
Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom will most likely make a few changes for Saturday’s match against Wycombe Wanderers.
The Lilywhites host the League One promotion hopefuls in round four of the competition, having seen off Charlton Athletic in the third. Jordan Storey, Ben Whiteman, Robbie Brady and Will Keane are expected to all remain out injured for the home side.
And new signing Ryan Porteous, who arrived on loan from Watford on transfer deadline day, will have to wait for his Preston debut - the Scotland international is cup tied due to playing for the Hornets in their away defeat to Fulham.
Therefore, a start for Jack Whatmough - the only available right-footed centre-back this weekend - looks nailed on against Wycombe. With the visitors’ aerial, physical and set-piece threat highlighted pre-match a return to the team for Liam Lindsay would be no surprise.
January recruit Lewis Gibson could be utilised at left centre-back with Andrew Hughes dropping to the bench for a breather, ahead of Tuesday night’s trip to Norwich City. Stefan Thordarson, in the absence of Whiteman, is another strong shout to come into the PNE midfield.
Kaine Kesler-Hayden and Jayden Meghoma have been the go-to wing-backs in recent matches. Brad Potts is now back available and made a positive impact at Ewood Park, but Heckingbottom may well stick with his two speedsters and continue to ease the number 44 back into the fold.
Another player who contributed positively at Ewood was Duane Holmes. The American has featured regularly this season but made very few starts. An opportunity for the number 25 could well be given this weekend, with Sam Greenwood or Mads Frokjaer potentially dropping out.
Elsewhere in the team, Ali McCann is now suspended for two league games so almost certain to start on Saturday. Milutin Osmajic has been pictured in good spirits at the training ground, having been unable to feature at Blackburn due to illness.
Predicted PNE XI vs Wycombe Wanderers
XI: Freddie Woodman; Jack Whatmough, Liam Lindsay, Lewis Gibson, Kaine Kesler-Hayden, Stefan Thordarson, Ali McCann, Jayden Meghoma, Duane Holmes, Mads Frokjaer, Milutin Osmajic.