PNE face top of the table Ipswich Town on Saturday, and manager Simon Grayson is looking forward to testing his side against last season's Play-Off semi-finalists.
Mick McCarthy brings his side to Deepdale looking to continue their good start to the new campaign, but the gaffer admits these are the kind of fixtures you expect week in and week out in the Championship.
"These games are what it's all about, the next three games are all tough, two games against the top two in the league and then a cup tie against a Premier League side in Watford.
"This is what it's all about, there's going to be tough games right the way through the division, every week.
"It doesn't get much harder than Mick McCarthy's team on Saturday. We know we are going to be up against it but we are looking forward to it.
"You know what Mick's team is going to be like, regardless of the personnel that he's got playing for him. They are organised, they're disciplined and hard working and they are going to make it difficult for you to try and win a football match.
"They have the main core of their team from last year, and they've set off the season really well so far and I'm sure they will be wanting to keep that going."
To hear more from the manager on this weekend's game, head to PNE PlayerHD now by clicking here.