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.

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.

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. | Getty

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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. | Getty

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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. | Getty

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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. | Getty

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