Swansea City play host to Preston North End on Friday evening looking for the win that will take them clear of the Championship relegation scrap.
At a time when the home side sit in 18th position in the standings, Preston are eighth, despite losing four of their last six fixtures.
Match preview
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Having parted ways with Michael Duff, Swansea had hoped to have found a replacement at this stage, but Alan Sheehan will remain in charge on an interim basis for this fixture.
As it stands, Sheehan can be pleased with his return from three matches in charge, with a total of four points being posted from fixtures against Rotherham United, Stoke City and Middlesbrough.
The defeat in question came at the hands of Boro when Swansea had initially got back on level terms, only for the visitors to net a winner 12 minutes from time.
Stability is required as soon as possible at a time when Swansea sit just five points clear of the bottom three when some of the teams below them are improving by the week.
For that to be achieved, the Welsh outfit must improve their home record with just two wins coming from 11 fixtures on familiar territory in the 2023-24 second tier.
Ryan Lowe would have felt that his Preston side were very much back on track when following a three-match losing streak with a four-point haul from two games.
Both of those positive results came on their travels, collecting a goalless draw at Norwich City before they ran out 3-1 victors versus Huddersfield Town.
However, they were thrashed 5-1 by Watford at Deepdale last time out, with Preston taking the lead before the Hornets netted their goals during a 35-minute period either side of half time.
With Leeds United to come on Boxing Day, a team that sit in third place, there is a feeling that Preston need to kick-start their campaign once again before entering what may prove to be a pivotal period.
Team News
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Sheehan will consider handing a recall to Yannick Bolasie to the Swansea final third, potentially as a replacement for Jamie Paterson.
Much will depend on whether Liam Walsh is used in a more advanced role than usual, while Charlie Patino is another who will expect to return to the starting lineup.
With Preston tending to use a back three, the likelihood is that Sheehan will retain the same formation from the Boro game.
Lowe is expected to make numerous alterations to his Preston side, with Duane Holmes and Robbie Brady both pushing for a start.
Andrew Hughes is also an option in defence, but Lowe will also take into consideration that Preston had impressed in their previous two fixtures.
Swansea City possible starting lineup:
Rushworth; Darling, Cabango, Humphreys; Key, Patino, Grimes, Tymon; Walsh, Bolasie; Lowe
Preston North End possible starting lineup:
Woodman; Storey, Hughes, Lindsay; Potts, Browne, Whiteman, Millar; Holmes; Osmajic, Keane
We say: Swansea City 1-1 Preston North End
This is a game between two sides that are increasingly eager to get three points on the board on a more regular basis. However, we expect a tense encounter, one which may may end in a low-scoring draw.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Darren Plant
