What are the likely line-ups? Who are the key men? Preston v Ipswich

Preston will look to close on the play-off places when Ipswich visit Deepdale on Saturday.

From likely-line-ups to key men and the referee, all you need to know about the Championship clash can be found below.

Tom Barkhuizen in action during PNE's defeat at Ipswich earlier in the season.

placeholder image — Tom Barkhuizen in action during PNE's defeat at Ipswich earlier in the season.

Likely line-ups

PNE (4-4-2): Rudd, Woods, Huntington, Davies, Cunningham, Bodin, Pearson, Browne, Barkhuizen, Robinson, Moult.

Ipswich (3-5-2): Bialkowski, Carter-Vickers, Chambers, Webster, Spence, Ward, Skuse, Hyam, Knudsen, Celina, Garner.

Key Men

Ben Pearson - Back from a two-game ban at Villa Park it was like the midfielder had never been away. Industrious but also good on the ball, you simply cannot overstate how important he is to the club’s ambitions of making the play-offs this season.

Joe Garner - Injury-permitting, the former fan favourite will be back at Deepdale on Saturday for the first time since his move to Rangers in August 2016. Did not work out north of the border but has 10 goals this season after summer move to Portman Road.

Mick McCarthy looks on during Ipswich's victory over PNE in November.

In the visiting dugout

Mick McCarthy - The former Republic of Ireland boss has been in charge at Ipswich for more than five years after being appointed in November 2012. But time could be running out for him at Portman Road, his relationship strained with a section of supporters and his contract due to run out in the summer. McCarthy, 59, has previously managed Wolves, Sunderland and Millwall, as well as six years in charge of Ireland, who he guided to the 2002 World Cup.

The referee

Scott Duncan - The Northumberland referee will be hoping Saturday’s visit to Deepdale is better than his last one. Mr Duncan took charge of the game against Nottingham Forest two days before Christmas and limped off after 20 minutes with an injury. This is the third North End game he has taken charge of this term – he was in the middle for August’s goalless draw at Leeds when he sent off Ben Pearson. He has shown 78 yellow cards and seven red this season.

This week in PNE history

48 years ago: On February 21, 1970, Preston drew 3-3 with Hull City at Deepdale. North End’s goals came from Alex Spark, Norman Lloyd and an own goal.

42 years ago: North End hammered Southend United 5-1 at Deepdale on February 24, 1976. Mike Elwiss and John Smith both netted twice, with Ray Tracey also on target.

31 years ago: Goals from Alex Jones and Gary Brazil gave Preston a 2-0 win over Torquay United at Plainmoor on February 21, 1987.

28 years ago: A hat-trick from Steve Harper helped give PNE a 4-0 victory over Cardiff City on February 24, 1990. Warren Joyce got the other.

22 years ago: Andy Saville and Graham Lancashire scored in PNE’s 2-1 win at Scunthorpe.