Preston North End ace Duane Holmes is set to take on West Bromwich Albion boss Carlos Corberan – the man who lured him back to Huddersfield Town.
PNE return to action this afternoon, welcoming West Brom to Deepdale.
Both sides have had a week between games with EFL Cup action not a problem in midweek.
This should be a fascinating battle with PNE looking to get back to winning ways after last week’s draw at Rotherham United.
The Baggies have only won twice in their first eight league games and have claimed only three points from the last four games.
The quality in their squad is clear though, and boss Carlos Corberan is a proven tactician at this level – as one PNE player will know well…
Duane Holmes set to face off against Carlos Corberan
You could hardly blame Ryan Lowe if part of his preparations for this game featured asking Duane Holmes a few questions about Corberan.
The Spaniard signed Holmes for Huddersfield Town in 2021, handing him an emotional return to his former club.
Corberan told Huddersfield’s official site that he loved Holmes’ versatility, quality and experience in the Championship, handing him a key role in West Yorkshire.
“Duane’s versatility is very important for us; he can play as a midfield eight, a 10 or on either wing. He has enough quality and understanding of football to have an immediate impact in Championship games, plus his knowledge of this club and experience of the division will help his adaptation,” said Corberan.
“We aim to receive the best from him in his second period at Huddersfield Town, and seeing his Terrier Spirit on the pitch,” he added.
Holmes ended up playing 64 times under Corberan, bagging eight goals and two assists in a very successful time together.
The 28-year-old saw Corberan leave in 2022 and, just a year later, Neil Warnock was happy for him to leave Huddersfield in order to join PNE.
Holmes now has a chance to try and beat Corberan having made a great start to life at North End.
Holmes making a big impact for PNE
Holmes came in from Huddersfield over the summer, reuniting with two members of the PNE coaching staff.
Lowe played with Holmes at Bury and assistant Mike Marsh coached him at Huddersfield Town.
The move to Deepdale has worked out pretty perfectly so far; Holmes has already bagged three goals and three assists in nine games across all competitions.
Holmes has been so sharp around the box but also exceptionally hard-working off the ball, making him an early favourite with North End fans.
There has been plenty of excitement around Mads Frøkjær-Jensen but he has lost his place in the starting lineup of late because Holmes has been so good.
Holmes will be in line to start again today, and will be looking to take down Corberan to give PNE another victory.