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.

5. CB: TimothyFosu-Mensah

The highly versatile Manchester United man is loaned out to get some more first team experience, and slots in nicely next to Bauer in the heart of defence. | Getty

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6. LB: Harry Pickering

Snapped up from Crewe Alexandra for 400k, the promising left-back leaps up two divisions and straight into the Lilywhites' starting line-up. | Getty

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7. CM: Derik Osede

A rather left-field purchase, this one. The ex-Real Madrid and Bolton midfielder joins on a free transfer from Spanish second tier side Numantia, and starts on the opening day. | Getty

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8. CM: Ben Pearson

West Ham United, Aston Villa and Sheffield Wednesday all tried to buy him, but Pearson snubbed the lot to stay at Deepdale. | Getty

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