Manager Simon Grayson takes his side to Wales this weekend looking for a fifth successive win against Play-Off chasing Cardiff City.
The Lilywhites head to the Welsh capital after wins against Huddersfield Town, Wolves, Sheffield Wednesday and Charlton, but the gaffer is well aware that this latest test might be their toughest yet.
“I watched them last week against Brighton and have seen the Middlesbrough game on DVD. They have got parachute payments and a good squad and some good individual players,” he said.
“They have got a really good record at home and are pushing for one of those Play-Off positions.
“I am sure Russell will be wary of what we have done over the past few weeks and we are looking forward to it.
“We will not be complacent. We will go in a confident manner, try and do what we have been doing, stopping the opposition from playing and creating the chances at the other end, as we have done the last few games.
“It will be a tough game for us, a big challenge and one we are looking forward to.”
Russell Slade has been a regular opponent for Simon Grayson and his team over the past few years and he is someone he has a lot of respect for.
“Russell is a fantastic manager and is really experienced across a number of leagues and no matter what club he is at, his philosophies as a manager don’t change,” continued the PNE chief.
“He is at a top Championship club and it will be no different to when he was at any of his former clubs.
“He wants an honest bunch of players who work hard for each other, so we know what to expect.
“I have a good rapport with him, but hopefully we are sending another manager home unhappy on a Saturday night!”
North End head to the principality just six points off the top six, but Simon does not believe that the expectancy levels on his team have increased.
“Fans have to be realistic in their thinking, but not be too disappointed if we don’t achieve their aspirations.
“We are in a position in the league now that people probably thought we wouldn’t get to.
“We have known we want to do as well as we can do and the players have just got on with their jobs as well as they can do and what will be, will be. We have a carefree attitude and philosophy that we don’t put any pressure on the players.
“The only pressure on the players now is to make sure that they perform as individuals within the team to make sure that they are still in the team for the next game, because we have good players who want to be playing and that’s a good thing.”