Preston North End manager must make a change at right back for the second game in a row after Darnell Fisher picked up his tenth booking of the season at home to Luton Town last weekend.
With Joe Rafferty still having two more games to see out of his own ban, the gaffer must find an alternative on the right-hand side of his defence for the away games either side of Christmas, at Cardiff City and Leeds United.
Skipper Tom Clarke, the match-winner on our last trip to the Cardiff City Stadium, is one option, whilst Alan Browne – who has already started at right back on five occasions this season is another possibility.
The manager said post-match, after the home win over Luton Town, that Ben Davies was very close to a return and after another full week of training, he could come back into the squad for the trip to the Welsh capital.
Whilst top scorer Daniel Johnson will be given as long as possible to prove his fitness, Josh Ginnelly is back in full training after a month on the sidelines, leaving just Louis Moult definitely ruled out through injury.
Recently appointed Cardiff City boss Neil Harris will also be giving his men as long as possible to recover from various knocks before the clash with the Lilywhites.
Junior Hoilett missed the Bluebirds’ stunning comeback against Leeds United last weekend with a hamstring injury, with goalkeeper Alex Smithies (illness) and centre forward Gary Madine (back) also absent.
Skipper Sean Morrison saw red in the game at Elland Road for a foul on Eddie Nketiah and will miss the game, and centre half partner Aden Flint also limped off during the first half and must be considered a doubt.