Predicted Preston North End XI vs Norwich City as Paul Heckingbottom has big decision

Preston North End manager Paul Heckingbottom has captain Ben Whiteman back available for tonight’s match against Norwich City.

The Lilywhites return to home soil, three days on from the 1-0 win over Coventry City. Performances have picked up in recent weeks and North End are now looking to string a run of results together, in order to climb the Championship table.

On the team news front for Tuesday’s clash, Whiteman is in contention once again - but Brad Potts, Will Keane, Patrick Bauer and player-coach, Ched Evans, will remain sidelined. North End’s number 44 has a ‘little issue’ and chances of him being ready for Norwich seemed extremely slim.

Against the Sky Blues, Ryan Ledson was brought into the side as skipper. But, with Whiteman returning from suspension, it would be a surprise if the captain didn’t start. He has regularly been selected by Heckingbottom so far.

Elsewhere in midfield, Ali McCann is surely not droppable at the moment and a trio of Whiteman, McCann and Ledson has not yet been seen - meaning the latter, unfortunately, could miss out. Further up the pitch, Leeds United loanee Sam Greenwood could well come in - to add some freshness.

The attacking midfielder was bright, off the bench, on Saturday and the North End boss has - on the whole - been impressed with him. Stefan Thordarson could be the one to drop out. PNE’s defenders and front man, Emil Riis, look well set to retain their places.

Predicted PNE XI vs Norwich City: Woodman; Kesler-Hayden, Storey, Lindsay, Hughes, Whiteman (c), McCann, Frokjaer, Greenwood, Brady, Riis.