Preston North End
- Lilywhites sit 17th in the table with 49 points from 38 games, reflecting a disappointing campaign when they have only excelled in short bursts.
- Paul Heckingbottom, who took charge in August 2024, has tried to inject some tactical fluidity and energy into the team with frequent changes between a back three and a back four, and uses a 3-5-2 that suits his wide overloads.
- The dynamic system that Heckingbottom favours means Preston can be fast in transition, press opponents high up the pitch and stretch the game when they have it.
- However, with 23 goals scored in 19 home games, they haven’t been prolific at Deepdale this term and the absence of some pace and penetration may be a factor in Friday’s fixture.
- Lewis Dobbin is their top scorer this season with 7 goals in 31 Championship appearances and the winger will be key to unlocking the Stoke defense.
Stoke
- Mark Robins, who took over at Stoke in January 2025, has done a brilliant job at making them hard to beat by creating a solid back four, clogging up the midfield and generally playing the game at his own tempo.
- The Potters are solid on the road and have won six, drawn four and lost nine of their 19 away Championship matches this term, but that sequence tells you they are not great on their travels.
- Stoke have picked up 51 points to finish 13th, which was an acceptable result for the Stoke boss who has made them a disciplined and hard to break down unit.
- Sorba Thomas leads the line for Stoke with nine goals in 37 Championship matches and has provided three assists in his last five appearances for the club, making him the key man for Stoke to get involved.
Head-to-Head
- Preston have won none of their last two home games against Stoke.
- The last head-to-head meeting in the Championship finished 0-0 at Stoke's ground only two months ago.
Key Players
- Lewis Dobbin - 7 goals in 31 appearances and the main outlet for Preston’s attacking threat.
- Sorba Thomas - nine goals in 37 appearances and three assists in his last five games for Stoke.
Betting Insights
Both teams to score - No looks a strong option at 1.91 given neither side are prolific in front of goal and both have been more solid than spectacular at the back.
Prediction
The last head-to-head meeting finished 0-0 and a draw looks the most likely result in what should be a very tough game for both sides.
