Stoke City head to Deepdale in search of their first pre-season triumph, with their supporters hoping that a run of three defeats from four outings so far is later consigned to history as having no baring on their league aspirations.
Their trip to Preston, however, is probably a much greater indicator of their progress than any of the games so far, with Deepdale being the first recognisible venue they've frequented in their preparations.
As with Preston's now standard policy of splitting the senior squad in half to take on Bamber Bridge and Chorley simultaneously, the Potters did likewise as they got their summer up and running with games at Nantwich Town and Newcastle Town, losing 2-0 and 2-1 respectively in those fixtures.
While those reverses can be put down to rustiness, the 3-1 defeat to fallen German giants St Pauli in their first part of their two-legged Austrian tour was probably more disappointing, though a 1-1 draw against Israeli UEFA Europa League qualifiers Hapeol Tel Aviv in the second stanza was a decent return to form.
Positive signs are also emerging, with Dave Kitson back in scoring form after a slow start to his career in Staffordshire, while Salif Diao also caught the eye for striking reasons after a fine strike in the Hapoel fixture - his first goal in the club's red and white colours.
Kitson's case is interesting, with personal issues having affected him after signing from Reading, but he says that all of that is now behind him, telling BBC Radio Stoke:
"I had some pretty big life-altering problems that went on last year. You cannot do your business well when those sort of things are going on, but most of that has been resolved now.
"My objective is to get into the team sooner rather than later, and hold on to that place. I am not going anywhere, as and when I'm needed, I'll be ready.
"I'm looking sharper in training and mingling better. It was probably my fault I wasn't more approachable last season."
If he plays at Deepdale on Saturday, he'll be hoping to help his side to a better return than their last outing at this famous stadium - in February 2008 they were defeated 2-0 when Richard Chaplow struck twice, firmly announcing his arrival at North End.
Chappy is likely to play a key part in Saturday's action, along with many of those who missed the away day double header at Tranmere and Wrexham through injury. Youl Mawene is the only player who hasn't trained in the past week.
North End have won six of their last seven home encounters with the side currently managed by Tony Pulis - here's hoping that history is on our side once again this weekend.
Tickets
North End fans are reminded that they will only be situated in the Sir Tom Finney Stand for this game, with tickets available from both the Sir Tom Finney Stand ticket office and turnstiles. Please note that the Invincibles Pavilion ticket office will be closed for this game.
Tickets for this fixture are priced at just £10 for adults and £5 for concessions (over 60s and under 20s).
Kit
Unless you were one of the hardy few that flew out to Austria for the 11-0 demolition of FC Erdal Hallein, this will probably be your first chance to see North End turning out in the new Canterbury home strip.
