Manager Alex Neil has been without midfielders Paul Gallagher (illness) and Ben Pearson (dead leg) for the last few weeks and Saturday’s clash with Sunderland could again come too soon for them.
With the international break after the game against Simon Grayson’s men, it is unlikely either of his player makers will be risked, when they have two weeks to prepare for the next Lilywhites fixture.
The international break could also come at a good time for Declan Rudd, as he gets closer to a return to training after his thigh problem, which has troubled him since early pre-season.
The big decision for the manager this weekend will be on the attacking front, with Callum Robinson, Daryl Horgan and Josh Harrop all having played a big part in Tuesday’s win at Hull, after coming on as substitutes and they will all push for a start against the Black Cats.
Greg Cunningham and Tom Clarke will boss watch from the sidelines against their former boss, with a number of months still between them and a return to training after their respective long term injuries.