Preston North End play their first home pre-season game of the summer on Saturday when Alex Neil’s men entertain last season’s Championship winners Newcastle United at Deepdale.
Rafa Benitez brings his Magpies to PR1 as they return from a pre-season training camp in Ireland, just as the Lilywhites did seven days ago.
The Spanish boss is likely to have some recent recruits in his squad as they look ahead to their Premier League campaign, whilst the North End fans and new manager could get their first look at summer recruit from Manchester United, Josh Harrop, who has come through a few days training this week.
After a week where the majority of the squad have got at least two hours of work into their legs across the two fixtures against Morecambe and Accrington Stanley, it could be time for a number to get through 90 minutes against the north east outfit, whilst John Welsh and Calum Woods could be closer to returning after extended periods on the sidelines.
As well as Premier League opposition there will be a Premier League official, with Jon Moss appointed as the match referee for the game, as the new Deepdale surface is used for the first time.
Another new feature will be the brand new Tempobet sponsored home shirt, which will be worn by the first team for the very first time, with all of the new kits being unveiled on PNE.Com on Friday.
Fans are advised, as always, to arrive in advance, particularly for a pre-season fixture, with tickets available now online on www.mypne.com – right up to 12 noon on the day of the game, with collection from the ground - and in person or over the phone during ticket office opening hours, which is open 9am until 6pm on Friday and from 9am on the day of the game.
Hospitality in the Sir Tom Finney Lounge or Invincibles Pavilion can also still be booked, please contact the commercial department on 0344 856 1960 to book a place in one of our lounges or for information on executive boxes.
Ticket prices for both Saturday’s game and Tuesday’s clash with Lancashire rivals Burnley are £10 for adults, £5 for concessions and just £1 for U11s! All U14s must be accompanied by an adult as per a standard matchday.
Prices for the hospitality lounges are £35, with concessions priced at £30, this package includes a one course hot dish, half-time refreshments and executive seating. Executive boxes are available for £800 plus vat for ten people, which includes a two course meal.
If you cannot get to the game, we will be once again operating a live stream for iFollow Premium customers. Jonathan Breeze will be joined by former PNE midfielder Brian O’Neil live on air from 2.45pm. Subscribers are reminded that they must watch the game from either a laptop or desktop device during pre-season, as the iFollow App to allow mobile or tablet use is still to be launched.
Subscribers are also reminded that live streaming of league games, which will commence from 5th August, will only be available outside of the UK and Ireland – within the UK and Ireland audio commentary only will be allowed due to the broadcast rights of the EFL’s partners.
There will be no in-stadia betting facilities available at the pre-season friendlies, nor will there be a half-time 50/50 lottery operated, however, both of these will be back for the opening game of the season against Sheffield Wednesday on 5th August – with tickets for this game already on general sale.