Manager Alex Neil will be forced to make at least one change to the side that thrashed Lancashire rivals Blackburn Rovers at Deepdale at the weekend.
Top scorer Callum Robinson, who scored his tenth goal of the season against Tony Mowbray’s side, is out for a minimum of three months after a serious hamstring injury suffered in the second half at Deepdale on Saturday.
Substitutes Louis Moult and Brandon Barker both impressed against the Ewood side and could come into contention to replace Robinson.
There was some positive news after the game, however, as Alan Browne, who also picked up a knock in the game, is fine and should be fit to retain his place, along with Ben Pearson, who was also substituted late on having not trained in the two weeks prior to the game.
The loss of Robinson leaves the Lilywhites short in attacking options, with Josh Harrop, Daniel Johnson, Billy Bodin and Sean Maguire, who all play in similar position, already ruled out.
Tony Pulis has no such worries for his high-flying Teesiders. He has a fully fit squad for Saturday’s hard-earned win at Brentford, with Ryan Shotton also back in full training, although the experienced defender is unlikely to be risked yet, as he begins to get training under his belt.
Jordan Hugill, who was not involved in the two sides’ League Cup encounter back in September, has been in good form of late for his hometown club and should be involved against North End for the first time since his January move to West Ham United.