Preston North End host Oxford United at Deepdale in their upcoming Championship clash this weekend.
Preston North End head into the Oxford United tie on the back of their 3-1 loss away at West Brom. They will be eager to bounce back from their defeat at The Hawthorns.
The Lilywhites are currently sat in 16th place in the table after 25 fixtures. They are seven points above the drop zone and 10 off the play-offs.
Paul Heckingbottom was chosen as their manager back in August. He has had spells in the past at Barnsley, Leeds United and Sheffield United, as well as Hibernian in Scotland.
As for Oxford United, they turned to Gary Rowett recently following their decision to sack Des Buckingham. The ex-Birmingham City and Derby County man has made a positive impression so far.
The U’s have won their last three games on the spin. They beat Millwall 1-0 away last time out.
Ruben Rodrigues scored their winner against the Lions at The Den to help his side rise to 18th position in the league.
Here, a handful of our writers make their predictions for the game…
Harry Mail
“Preston North End will want to return to winning ways after their defeat at West Brom.
“The Lilywhites have won their last two games on the spin at Deepdale against Hull City and Sheffield Wednesday.
“They are also unbeaten in their last six outings on their own patch so Oxford United will need to be at their best.
“The U’s are on a roll though and will be full of confidence ahead of this one. They have done well under Rowett so far and I fancy them to get a draw here.”
Prediction: Preston North End 1-1 Oxford United
James Ray
“It’s been the perfect start to the Rowett era for Oxford United and after a vital first away win, they’ll be out to get a second in quick succession at Deepdale.
“Preston North End have toughened up under Heckingbottom though and they’re not an easy side to go and get a result against. Both should be confident for different reasons so this could be decided by pretty fine margins, maybe just a goal.
“I wouldn’t be all that surprised if either side were able to sneak all three points from this one, but I think it’ll end level. That would be a better result for Oxford than it would for Preston, but neither side should frown upon this outcome.”