Sheffield Wednesday manager Garry Monk feels that the Owls have been in a very similar situation to North End since the restart, unable to take advantage when on top in games.
The Hillsborough chief, speaking to his official website swfc.co.uk ahead of the visit of the Lilywhites, believes his side need to show a ruthless streak at both ends of the pitch.
He said of the game: “It will be tough, the same as everyone, all teams are fighting for results.
“We know Preston have been a really competitive squad for a number of years now under Alex.
“They have good players, good quality but I think for ourselves we need to turn what has been dominant periods of games into rewards.
“We have to get better at that, the hard work is very clear and we can be very dangerous with it and that’s the exciting bit but we have to back that up by being ruthless.
“Defensively, we need to cut out those mistakes, it’s as simple as that.
“We can’t sit here and feel sorry for ourselves. We have another game in a few days and if we continue to show what we’re doing and be more ruthless, cut out those mistakes, we’ll be in a good position and that’s what we’ve got to believe.
“We need to turn what’s been quite dominant displays in certain periods of games into rewards. That’s what we have to get better at.”
The former Birmingham City and Leeds United boss is hoping to have a selection boost or two before the game. Kieran Lee was withdrawn at half-time on Sunday, at Swansea, and was replaced by youngster Alex Hunt.
Monk revealed after the game the switch was a precautionary measure after Lee felt a tightness in his calf at the Liberty Stadium: “I think with Kieran, it was just precautionary,” he continued.
“He felt a little bit of tightness in his calf. So, we brought him off, but again, I thought he was fantastic in that first 45 minutes and we were unfortunate to lose him. We will see how he is, it’s a quick turnaround so we’ll see him on Monday and Tuesday in training.”
However, he is hopeful over Tom Lees’ return, adding: “Tom’s scan came back clear so that’s good for him and for us to know. We’ll be dictated how he feels and hopefully that will be this week.
“It’s a difficult period for all teams, keeping that freshness with such quick turnarounds.”
You can watch the full game live on iFollow PNE, click here now to sign up to a match pass for just £10 and watch the game, with commentary from Jonathan Breeze and former PNE and Owls defender Tommy Spurr.