Last season Ryan Lowe’s side finished in 13th place, just outside the top half, with 63 points but this campaign they are expected to be one place better off and one point worse off.
North End have 24 points up for grabs between now and the end of the season but the supercomputer behind the data predicting every team’s points total, goal difference and final standings has them picking up only 10 points in that time.
Still, it’s enough for them to keep their current league position, with a lot of the Championship only separated by the smallest of margins.
There are a couple of derbies still to come for the Lilywhites too, with Blackpool next up after the international break and Blackburn Rovers coming to Deepdale in April.
9. 17. Birmingham City
Current Points: 45. Projected Points: 55. Predicted Goal Difference: -10. Chance of finishing 17th: 18%. Relegation Probability: 1%. Photo: Matt McNulty
10. 16. Hull City
Current Points: 47. Projected Points: 56. Predicted Goal Difference: -13. Chance of finishing 16th: 18%. Relegation Probability: Photo: CameraSport - Alex Dodd
11. 15. Swansea City
Current Points: 46. Projected Points: 58. Predicted Goal Difference: -4. Chance of finishing 15th: 17%. Relegation Probability: Photo: Michael Steele
12. 14. Bristol City
Current Points: 48. Projected Points: 58. Predicted Goal Difference: -2. Chance of finishing 14th: 17%. Relegation Probability: Photo: Naomi Baker