Following the release of the fixture list for the 2014/15 season, PNE.Com takes a look at some of the key fixtures along with previous matches against this season’s opponents.
Preston kick-off their 2014/15 campaign at home to Notts County – and if history is anything to go by, the opening day clash against the Magpies may prove to be a good omen for the Lilywhites.
PNE currently hold an unbeaten record against County in the six League One games they’ve played since North End returned to the division in 2011.
The record books also bode well for Simon Grayson’s men against the recently promoted teams.
Whilst the clash against neighbours Fleetwood Town on the 25th October will be the first time the sides have come up against each other competitively, Preston have won 12 of the 23 games against Rochdale since the pair first met in 1970.
Both Chesterfield and Scunthorpe United, who together join Fleetwood and Rochdale by making the transition from League Two to League One this campaign, have also struggled against previous Lilywhites’ opposition in recent years.
Whilst Preston have lost just once to Chesterfield in 15 years, they’re unbeaten against Scunthorpe in the previous five games the sides have met.
The last time the Iron fell short to North End was in 2013, as goals from Lee Holmes, Nicky Wroe, and Jack King saw PNE run out 3-0 winners that day.
Despite a much improved year in League One for the Club during 2013/14, picking up 24 league wins in total, Preston still weren’t able to collect maximum points against MK Dons and Coventry City, with both of these teams finishing with a share of the spoils in games with the Lilywhites more often than not.
Preston have drawn all four of their previous league games against Coventry, whilst in the six League One matches against MK Dons, the Lilywhites have drawn five of those, with their only ever win against the Buckinghamshire outfit coming in a 1-0 success back in 2011 courtesy of former North Ender Paul Parry.
The post-Christmas period may prove to be a significant few weeks in PNE’s promotion push, starting with the Club’s first league game of 2015 against recently relegated Yeovil Town who’ll be looking to bounce back into the Championship at the first time of asking.
The clash against Gary Johnson’s side is followed by League One favourites Sheffield United on the road, before Preston welcome fellow beaten Play-Off side Leyton Orient to Deepdale on the 17th January.
Sheffield United are just in front of North End in the SkyBet betting stakes leading up to the new season – with United 2/1 to reach the second tier, closely followed by North End at 9/4.
Previously, Preston have come unstuck against their Yorkshire opponents, but that all changed last season when Stuart Beavon’s winning strike saw North End secure their first win at Bramall Lane since 1978.
Now you’ve seen the fixture list, why not back the Lilywhites on and off the pitch - by tipping them for promotion with SkyBet clicking the link here.
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There is also still time to buy or renew your season tickets at the launch price which ends on Saturday.
You can phone on 0844 856 1966 or visit the ticket office at the Sir Tom Finney Stand which is open until 7pm Friday.