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...
5. RWB: Pol Valentin
His return has been a welcomed one and after a strong showing last time out, the Spaniard should stay in. | Getty Images
6. CM: Ben Whiteman
Has started every game he's been available for. | CameraSport - Rob Newell
7. CM: Harrison Armstrong
There's talk of him going back to Everton in January but while he's still around you can't see him losing his place. | Camera Sport
8. LWB: Andrija Vukcevic
Could come in to freshen things up down the left, with Thierry Small brought back in for the home game against Sheffield Wednesday. | CameraSport - Alex Dodd