Alarms have been set early for the PNE faithful making the long trip to the south coast this afternoon as Paul Heckingbottom’s men face Southampton.
It’s a first visit to St Mary’s for the Lilywhites since the 2023-24 campaign, with Ryan Lowe’s side falling to a 3-0 defeat to the eventual play-off final winners.
North End go into the latest meeting seven points and 13 places above the Saints, who currently sit 20th after an underwhelming return to the Championship.
Will Still’s men fell to a 2-1 defeat to Blackburn Rovers last week, while PNE came from behind to claim a 3-2 triumph over Sheffield Wednesday.
We’ve taken a look at the early team and injury news from both camps ahead of this afternoon’s Championship fixture.
9. Brad Potts - Out
There is still no news over the extent of Potts’ setback from a hamstring issue, which has forced him out of the opening 12 league matches this term. The midfielder last registered a competitive outing in March. | CameraSport - Lee Parker
10. Shea Charles - Out
Still confirmed the midfielder will be out for around six to seven weeks due to a hamstring injury sustained against Blackburn last week. | Getty Images
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11. Pol Valentin - Out
There is some positive injury news over Valentin, who has been missing for the Lilywhites previous five matches due to a hamstring issue. The right-back could return in time to feature before the next international break later this month. | CameraSport - Rich Linley
12. Cameron Archer - Doubt
The striker, who made a £15m move to St Mary’s in 2024, has netted just once in the Championship this season for the Saints. The 23-year-old is a doubt after being withdrawn from last weekend’s defeat to Blackburn - and has yet to train ahead of this afternoon’s fixture. | Getty Images