Preston North End boss Paul Heckingbottom has welcomed some key first team players back ahead of the trip to Stoke City.
The Lilywhites, fresh from a last gasp draw at home to Norwich City, head to the Potteries on Boxing Day. Mark Robins’ side dropped to eighth with their narrow loss at Watford last time out, but victory would still see them go level on points with PNE.
Brad Potts, Ali McCann and Will Keane were all back on the pitch last time out - the latter popped up with the 96th minute leveller. On loan striker Daniel Jebbison could also return from the illness which kept him out of the Canaries contest.
Here is our predicted PNE XI to start against Stoke...
1. GK: Daniel Iversen
A return to his former club. No sign of him losing his spot whatsoever. | CameraSport - Rich Linley
2. RCB: Odel Offiah
Came in for praise from Stuart McCall after another impressive showing in his most favoured role. | CameraSport - Andrew Kearns
3. CB: Jordan Storey
Has handled the shift to the middle of Preston's back three fairly well and could well continue there, unless former Potter, Liam Lindsay, is brought in. | Getty Images
4. LCB: Andrew Hughes
Has been an ever-present there all season and that doesn't look likely to change for this game. | CameraSport - Ian Cook