This weekend, Ryan Lowe is expecting to face a Swansea City side who operate slightly differently to last season.
The side from South Wales were managed by Russell Martin during the 2022/23 campaign and they played a possession-based style, but with him having left during the summer to join Southampton, former Barnsley boss Michael Duff has now taken over as head coach.
He’s still waiting for his first Championship victory with the Swans, having taken two points from the opening three league matches.
Asked how North End will get ready for the match, Ryan said: “We’ll approach it the same way we’ve approached them all: in real depth of what we’ve got to do to try and get points because Swansea are a fantastic team who play some good football.
“Michael’s gone in there and changed his way a little bit. When they create an attack they want to finish the attack, they want to end up with something.
“Whereas last season Swansea wanted to keep the ball for numerous passes and open you out, but I think Michael’s got a different agenda. He wants to try and score as many goals as he possibly can and win games.
“I’m not saying last year wasn’t the same, but the fact of the matter is I know they haven’t started as well as they’d have liked, but they’re still a good team.
“They’ve got some good players and they’ll certainly be in and around this season so it’s one we’ve got to take seriously and make sure we put a gameplan together that fits.”
For PNE, there’s some positive news on the injury front, with Ali McCann back in training after missing last weekend’s victory over Sheffield Wednesday and he’ll be available on Saturday.
The manager also confirmed midfielder Ben Whiteman – recovering from a hernia operation – was set to return in parts of training on Thursday morning.
Meanwhile, Robbie Brady is expected to be back after the international break, and Emil Riis could return as soon as the Plymouth Argyle fixture on Saturday 16th September.
North End’s youngsters have had to step up in the absence of some of the more senior players, with a number of them having made debuts this season.
Ryan said: “The young lads have been fantastic, but after the international break with hopefully one or two additions potentially, and then all the lads coming back from injury, it will be pleasing.
“The kids have been great and they’re in there on merit at the moment, but we feel our squad is capable of doing something good.
“There’s some good players in there and when you’re missing them and the squad’s a bit thin and bare, you can’t wait to get them back.
“What I will say is the group, whether it’s 13 or 14 seniors, they have been different class in everything they’ve done.
“They’ve gone about their business and dragged the youngsters through, and the injured lads in the gym who don’t have long to go because we’re a team. We’re a family, and we’re in it together.
“That togetherness is really key so when they’re all back it’ll be really pleasing to see them all on the grass, and it’ll give me more headaches which is fine.
“Once we’ve get them all back we’ll be a lot stronger.”