Following back-to-back away matches, Preston North End return to Deepdale this weekend for the visit of Ipswich Town.
Match Details
Date: Saturday 3rd February, 3pm kick-off
Venue: Deepdale
Competition: Sky Bet Championship
Kit: Home kit
Supporter Information
Tickets will remain on sale right up until kick-off online, over the phone on 0344 856 1966, and in person from the ticket office.
Home fans can head down to Deepdale early to join us in The Gentry Bar from 11am for pre-match drinks and live entertainment. The fan zone will also reopen following the full-time whistle.
Supporters can get to and from the stadium by using the club’s shuttle bus service which runs from Leyland through Bamber Bridge on its way to Deepdale. Return tickets cost £6 on-board and timings are as follows:
Leyland Tesco (Stop A – Car Park) – 1.20pm
The Railway Pub, Leyland – 1.30pm
Ye Olde Hob Inn, Bamber Bridge – 1.35pm
Beam and Brycg Pub, Bamber Bridge – 1.40pm
Arrive at Deepdale, Lowthorpe Road – 2pm
Who’s Available?
Jack Whatmough is expected to return to the matchday squad after missing the previous four matches through injury.
Ched Evans will be absent again, though, as work continues to strengthen his hamstring.
Kian Best is the only other player unavailable to Ryan Lowe, with the teenager having rolled his ankle.
Opposition Focus
Ipswich Town have had a quite remarkable campaign so far, especially considering this season is only their first back in the Championship since relegation in 2019.
Still with the majority of their promotion-winning side, plus a few additions, the Tractor Boys sit second in the table but with increasing pressure being applied by the 22-match unbeaten Southampton, and Leeds United.
Kieran McKenna will believe he has enough strength in the squad and belief in his style that they’ll be able to fend off the promotion contenders and reach the Premier League.
A Recent Clash
Half-time substitute Joe Garner scored a hat-trick at Deepdale in 2014 to send PNE into the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Follow The Action
This fixture has been selected for international coverage and will therefore be unavailable to watch on iFollow in the majority of regions. Find out if you can watch here.
Live commentary can be accessed by fans worldwide with a £2.50 match pass or £4.49 monthly pass. Commentary comes from Jonathan Breeze and Tom Clarke.
Extensive coverage can be followed here on the club website and across social media channels.
Match Officials
Referee: Graham Scott
Assistant Referees: James Mainwaring and Sian Massey-Ellis
Fourth Official: Ben Speedie
Graham Scott will take charge of a PNE fixture this weekend for the first time since January 2018, when he refereed a fourth round FA Cup tie against Sheffield United.
So far this season, Scott has shown 64 yellow cards and three red cards in 14 matches.