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Early team news ahead of Stoke City trip as boss admits 'we’re not at our best'
Preston North End could be without two key players for Tuesday night’s trip to Stoke City (7.45pm kick-off).
Ali McCann is a definite non-starter after picking up his fifth Championship booking of the season in the 1-1 draw with Derby on Saturday, meaning he is subject to a one-match ban.
Midfield partner and Preston captain Ben Whiteman also suffered a knock in the game. He was taken off in the closing stages of the Rams clash, with Preston boss Paul Heckingbottom saying: “He opened his knee up a little bit, but says it is fine.”
Also doubtful is centre-half Jack Whatmough, who started against Derby in the absence of Stoke old boy Liam Lindsay. Heckingbottom added: “Jack got a knee first half. You are always picking things up and then part of it is playing with injuries, so long as they are not muscle injuries that are going to get worse.”
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In a game low on quality, Preston were frustrated as Derby hit back with a Jerry Yates goal to claim a point. Although Heckingbottom has only lost one league match at Deepdale since replacing Ryan Lowe in August, North End are struggling for goals to pull them clear of the Championship drop zone.
It is now one win in seven league matches and recurring issues are appearing, with weaknesses at the back also becoming more noteworthy.
Preston are now 20th on 16 points from 16 games, and Heckingbottom explained: “Another frustration is that we’ve conceded another goal where goalkeeper Freddie Woodman has not had a shot to save. It’s becoming a bit of a pattern and we need to be a lot stronger.
“I’ve said it before, when we’re not playing at our best, just keep a clean sheet and have that as the base.”
Stoke, meanwhile, were drawing 1-1 at QPR and are now unbeaten in four game. Tom Cannon put the visitors ahead in the 24th minute with his eighth goal of the season before Ben Gibson’s own goal gifted Rangers an equaliser.
