Preston North End and Southampton square off in the Championship on Wednesday with both teams sitting in the playoff places.
However, at the same time that the home side are without a win in four matches, the visitors to Deepdale have recently put together an undefeated streak over the same period.
Match preview
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On the back of three successive defeats, Ryan Lowe had a couple of weeks to stew over where his Preston side were heading over the international break.
A six-game winning streak had been followed by just one point being recorded from a possible 12, with a total of 11 goals being shipped in the three losses.
When taking a third-minute lead against Millwall, Preston had the chance to convert their early advantage into a victory, but they ultimately had to settle for a share of the spoils against opponents who were without a permanent manager.
While Lowe was naturally frustrated with just a point being gained at Deepdale, it can still be perceived to be a step in the right direction, the result keeping Preston as high as fourth.
However, Preston sit just four points ahead of 13th-placed Middlesbrough, an indication that they can ill-afford an extended winning run if they want to remain in the playoff positions.
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Not so long ago, Southampton were on a four-game losing streak of their own, with doubts immediately arising over whether Russell Martin was the right fit for the job.
Since then, though, the Saints have responded with 10 points from a possible 12, with one of three victories coming at home to potential promotion rival Leeds United.
Perhaps more notably, Southampton have battled their way to narrow wins away at Stoke City and Hull City, the latter coming at the weekend courtesy of a late Ryan Fraser goal.
Despite still possessing a negative goal difference, the South Coast outfit now occupy fifth position in the table, and supporters are increasingly optimistic that they can become contenders for the top two.
That said, like in the case of Preston, one defeat can see them fall out of the playoff spots, highlighting the importance of this fixture at least in the short term.
Team News
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The extra day of recovery time may dictate that Lowe opts to select the same Preston XI that earned a point last time out.
Liam Millar is a more attack-minded alternative at left wing-back, while Milutin Osmajic may come into consideration to return in attack.
Midfielder Alan Browne has not started any of the last three games, but the Republic of Ireland international could return in midfield.
Martin made the decision to go with Carlos Alcaraz as a false nine against Hull, although Che Adams may be handed a return to the Southampton starting lineup on this occasion.
Fraser is also in contention for a recall on the back of his goal at the weekend, but Martin will not want to overly tinker with a winning side.
Preston North End possible starting lineup:
Woodman; Storey, Lindsay, Cunningham; Potts, Whiteman, Ledson, Brady; Holmes, Frokjaer-Jensen; Keane
Southampton possible starting lineup:
Bazunu; Walker-Peters, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Manning; Smallbone, Downes, S. Armstrong; A. Armstrong, Adams, Fraser
We say: Preston North End 1-2 Southampton
Ending their recent losing run can only help Preston ahead of this contest. Nevertheless, Southampton have reached a point where their character has been enhanced, and we feel that the Saints will battle their way to another hard-earned victory on their travels.
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Top tip
Darren Plant
