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This is Preston North End's bold starting line-up to begin the 2020/21 season - according to Football Manager

While it was a real treat to have the Bundesliga back last weekend, it's still not quite enough to fill the gaping void left by the lack of Championship football, and the chances of Preston North End being able to conclude the current campaign are still looking uncertain.
By Richie Boon
Published 19th May 2020, 16:45 BST
Updated 19th May 2020, 18:15 BST

For a bit of fun, we fired up Football Manager 2020, and simulated the game into the future, and had a look at the starting XI and manager it predicts will be on show for the Lilywhites at the start of next season.

FM predicted that Preston North End won't get promoted this season, having crashed out in the play-off semi-finals. They begin the 2020/21 campaign at home to MK Dons.

1. New season, same division

FM predicted that Preston North End won't get promoted this season, having crashed out in the play-off semi-finals. They begin the 2020/21 campaign at home to MK Dons.

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A rather unusual start - Declan Rudd is sat on the bench and 'availablefor the reserves', while Ripley has forced his way into the starting spot between the sticks.

2. GK: Connor Ripley

A rather unusual start - Declan Rudd is sat on the bench and 'availablefor the reserves', while Ripley has forced his way into the starting spot between the sticks.

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After a solid 2019/20 campaign, Fisher keeps his place in the starting line-up, just pipping Joe Rafferty to the post.

3. RB: Darnell Fisher

After a solid 2019/20 campaign, Fisher keeps his place in the starting line-up, just pipping Joe Rafferty to the post.

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The Lilywhites successfully fended off interest for their star centre-back, and he remains a rock-solid presence in their back-line.

4. CB: Patrick Bauer

The Lilywhites successfully fended off interest for their star centre-back, and he remains a rock-solid presence in their back-line.

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