Preston North End in Numbers: Key PNE pair set for milestone appearance against Bristol City

Callum Robinson and Ben Pearson, both expected to start, will bring up 150 games in one sense or another.

Robinson’s is for the Lilywhites across his loan spells and permanent stay at Deepdale. Pearson will take the field for his 99th PNE game but it will mark his 150th career appearance.

It has been a breakout season for Robinson who has come a long way since his debut for the club as a substitute in a 3-3 draw at home to Chesterfield on September 16, 2014, coming on for Paul Gallagher in the 66th minute.

His first goal followed a few weeks later in a 2-0 win at Leyton Orient on October 28.

A hat-trick then came at Havant and Waterlooville in the 3-0 FA Cup first round win on November 10.

The versatile forward was recalled early by Aston Villa from his first loan spell before returning the following February.

He found himself in the unusual situation of playing in the play-off semi-final first leg against Chesterfield only to be recalled again, meaning he missed the promotion party.

Robinson had to wait for his third Deepdale spell, with his next stop Saturday’s opponents Bristol City. He started just two games for the Robins, however, one in the league and one in the League Cup, scoring his only goal for the club in the latter, a 3-1 defeat at Luton.

His third PNE loan began in on January 5, 2016, but actually only saw him start four games and make 11 appearances off the bench in the second half of the season, scoring two goals.

Move was still made permanent in the summer at the end of his Villa contract and the now Republic of Ireland international has certainly kicked on.

In total, Robinson’s PNE career to date has brought 35 goals in 149 games.

Prior to arriving at Deepdale Pearson made 51 appearances on loan at Barnsley, scoring three goals.

His North End debut came on January 12, 2016, a day after signing from Manchester United and saw him start a 2-1 win at Bristol City.

The key role he would go on to play wasn’t always evident.

At the start of his first full season at the club, Pearson only started the League Cup game at home to Oldham and appeared in a matchday squad in the Championship just once as an unused sub.

That changed in the League Cup win at Bournemouth on September 20, 2016 though, only missing out for the rest of the season when suspended.

His only PNE goal came in the 2-0 win over Villa back on October 1 of that campaign.

In total he has made 93 starts and five substitute appearances for the club.