Preston North End and Manchester City have today confirmed they will face each other in a pre-season friendly.
The game is set to take place at City’s Academy Stadium across the road from the Etihad on Tuesday 27th July at 7pm.
North End have said they anticipate away fans will be allowed to watch the game but are awaiting official confirmation on that one. The game will come after the latest lockdown restrictions have been lifted and it is hoped stadium’s will be at full capacity again.
It will be a busy week for Frankie McAvoy’s side with an away game against Wigan Athletic following on Friday 30th July before welcoming Manchester United to Deepdale the day after. It gives the manager chance to fine tune his side before the Championship season kicks off the following Saturday at home to Hull City.
It could also provide Manchester City the chance to reintegrate their international stars back into the team before their season. With many of their squad having participated in Copa America and Euro 2020 they are currently on a well deserved break from the game.
Some may still be resting at the time of this game but Pep Guardiola may see it as a chance to give a few minutes out to some players. England internationals Kyle Walker, John Stones, Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden may feature on the day against The Lilywhites.
The Academy Stadium is a lovely setting for the fixture and could see a few Manchester based Preston fans see their team in action for the first time in a long while.