Preston North End travel to Wrexham on Saturday in dire need of a victory.
Graham Alexander has lost his first two games in charge, suffering a 4-0 battering by Birmingham City on Tuesday night, leaving Preston rock bottom of the Championship table.
North End travel to Wales with a depleted squad, as Harry Clarke, Liam Gibbs and almost certainly Johnny Kenny will miss out through injury alongside Ali McCann and Brad Potts, while Stanley Mills is suspended after his red card in the Second City.
Lewis Gibson at least returned to action at St. Andrew’s after illness, and on-loan left-back Caleb Wiley has returned to training this week and could be in contention.
Alexander’s back-three formation has not worked so far and he’s hinted there could be a change to the set-up, just like he did after suffering two defeats in his first game as Bradford City manager.
But with a lack of available wingers, a 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 has draw backs as well. As a result, the manager may turn to a 4-1-2-12 diamond formation he has utilised in the past.
Here’s how Preston could line up against Wrexham.
5. LB - Caleb Wiley
Wiley hasn't played since early September and only returned to training on Wednesday. Playing him would be a risk, but Preston need to take risks and they need his quality. Alexander was impressed with him in training and, if available, he should start. | CameraSport - Dave Howarth Photo: CameraSport - Dave Howarth
6. CDM - Jordan Thompson
Regardless of the formation, Thompson will start. If it is a diamond as predicted, he'll be at the base offering protection to the defence. There's a concern he could get over run, but his tough tackling and hard work should suit him to the role. | World Copyright © 2026 CameraSport. All rights reserved. 43 Linden Ave. Countesthorpe. Leicester. England. LE8 5PG - Tel: +44 ( Photo: Photographer Dave Howarth / CameraSport
7. RCM - Callum Land
Lang got Preston's only shot on target in Birmingham and is fine to play after going off at the break with a tight calf, he could operate across a diamond formation, but would suit the right side the best. He could even play up-front, but Preston need a bit more fire power and movement there. | World Copyright © 2026 CameraSport. All rights reserved. 43 Linden Ave. Countesthorpe. Leicester. England. LE8 5PG - Tel: +44 ( Photo: Photographer Dave Howarth / CameraSport
8. LCM - Leo Leroy
Leroy struggled to get on the ball as much vs Birmingham as he did against Millwall, but he's still Preston's best midfielder this season and will start. | World Copyright © 2026 CameraSport. All rights reserved. 43 Linden Ave. Countesthorpe. Leicester. England. LE8 5PG - Tel: +44 (