Preston North End will be looking to extend their Championship unbeaten streak to four matches when they play host to Swansea City on Saturday.
At a time when the home side sit in sixth position in the standings, Swansea are down in 18th place as they wait for their first league win of the season.
Match preview
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When the season got underway, few people were tipping Preston to be there or thereabouts during the early weeks, never mind come the end of the season.
Nevertheless, it is so far so good for Ryan Lowe's side, who have accumulated seven points from their three league fixtures to occupy a spot in the playoffs.
On the back of a 1-1 draw coming at Bristol City on the opening weekend, victories have been posted against Sunderland and Sheffield Wednesday, Preston using the expectations at their opponents to their advantage.
With three of their next four Championship fixtures coming at Deepdale, Lowe will recognise that there is a window of opportunity to really build a head of steam heading into the autumn.
Even though it is early days, collecting early points could be vital, as shown when a poor finish during last season's run-in cost Preston a spot in the top six.
After only losing one of their opening three games, new Swansea boss Michael Duff cannot be too downbeat about the start of their campaign.
That said, two points to show from those fixtures against Birmingham City, West Bromwich Albion and Coventry City come at a time when key man Joel Piroe appears likely to move elsewhere.
While an exit for the Dutchman will lower expectations at Swansea, losing their free-scoring forward from the last two campaigns would lead to a major rethink of how they are going to score goals in 2023-24.
Swansea have scored in their last 10 competitive fixtures, dating back to April 10, but it remains to be seen whether losing Piroe will have a negative or galvanising effect.
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Team News
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Barring any injury issues, Lowe is unlikely to tinker with the Preston XI that won and kept a clean sheet at Sheffield Wednesday.
Nevertheless, the goal did come from a set piece, and Ben Woodburn may come into contention for a recall in the final third.
Ali McCann should also be fit enough to return to the squad, although it is unclear whether he will start ahead of Duane Holmes.
If reported bids for Nathan Wood and Piroe have been made ahead of this game, neither player are likely to take his spot in the Swansea starting lineup.
Kyle Naughton and Liam Cullen could each be drafted into the defence and attack respectively in what may otherwise be an unchanged side.
Preston North End possible starting lineup:
Woodman; Storey, Lindsay, Hughes; Potts, Browne, Ledson, Best; Holmes, Frokjaer-Jensen; Keane
Swansea City possible starting lineup:
Rushworth; Darling, Naughton, Cabango; Ashby, Fulton, Grimes, Patino, Key; Yates, Cullen
We say: Preston North End 1-2 Swansea City
By all accounts, Preston have to be favourites for this contest, particularly when Piroe could be on the move. Nevertheless, we feel that Swansea may get off the mark in the wins column this weekend, albeit in a closely-fought encounter.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Darren Plant
