Preston North End starting XI: Rudd; Browne, Huntington, Storey, Rafferty; Pearson, Johnson, Potts; Maguire, Barkhuizen, Stockley.
Preston North End substitutes: Ripley, Armer, Ledson, Bayliss, Bodin, Harrop, Nugent.
When it rains, it pours. On the injury front, Preston know that all too well.
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Yet again, North End are faced with an injury crisis. We already knew that Darnell Fisher, Ben Davies and Andrew Hughes were struggling to be fit here, but it’s become even worse.
Patrick Bauer has been ruled out too in an unexpected blow, meaning most of Preston’s best back line is missing tonight. It’s the worst timing too, as Alex Neil’s side take on the Championship’s highest scorers tonight.
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Declan Rudd keeps his place in goal, and Paul Huntington comes in to partner Jordan Storey at centre back with both Bauer and Davies out. Alan Browne at least eases the crisis by returning from injury at right back, with Joe Rafferty at left back.
Ben Pearson will anchor the midfield with support from Daniel Johnson and Brad Potts, whilst Seani Maguire and Tom Barkhuizen will offer support to Jayden Stockley going forward.
Teenager Jack Armer has been recalled from his loan spell at Lancaster City to take a place on the bench, alongside Connor Ripley, Ryan Ledson, Tom Bayliss, Billy Bodin, Josh Harrop and David Nugent.