Preview:Preston North End vs. Birmingham City - prediction, team news, lineups

Preston North End welcome Birmingham City to Deepdale on Saturday afternoon looking to extend their unbeaten Championship record to eight matches.

Meanwhile, Blues are without a win at the second tier in five games, resulting in the club dropping into the relegation zone.

Match preview

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Much has been made of Preston recording an astonishing five goalless draws in six Championship matches, keeping the club away from the playoff mix for the time being.

However, Ryan Lowe will argue that the foundations for a productive season have been laid, particularly with a 1-0 win at Coventry City being earned on Wednesday evening.

In-demand Emil Riis Jakobsen came off the substitutes' bench to net the decisive goal, perhaps convincing the club's owners to continue to reject any bids lower than their £10m valuation on deadline day.

Now sitting in 10th position in the table, just three points adrift of the leaders, Preston now look ideally placed to become a force at the right end of the standings.

The clean-sheet streak will inevitably come to an end at some stage, but there will be quiet optimism that it can be extended for at least another fixture.

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Birmingham have scored just four goals in seven league games, two of which came in the same fixture against Huddersfield Town in their second outing.

Although their two efforts since then have been against Watford and Norwich City, Blues remain with the second-worst attacking record in the division.

Furthermore, each of their league goals this season have come at St Andrew's, putting more pressure on John Eustace to find a solution on their travels.

The Blues hierarchy have pulled off some good business in the transfer market, including securing the signature of Hannibal Mejbri from Manchester United, but Birmingham's fortunes will only improve if they become more productive in the final third.

Team News

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Preston are expected to be without Ben Woodburn after he twisted his ankle during the win at Coventry.

Alan Browne is in line to be recalled as a direct replacement, and Riis Jakobsen will be hoping to get the nod over Ched Evans.

The remainder of the team should stay the same with Manchester United loanee Alvaro Fernandez having to wait longer for his first Championship start.

Despite the level of the performance against Norwich, Eustace may choose to freshen up his Birmingham XI with Mejbri in line for his first start.

Alfie Chang could drop down to the substitutes' bench, while George Hall may return if Eustace opts for a more disciplined three-man partnership in the centre of the pitch.

Preston North End possible starting lineup:

Woodman; Storey, Lindsay, Cunningham; Potts, Browne, Whiteman, McCann, Brady; Riis Jakobsen, Parrott

Birmingham City possible starting lineup:

Ruddy; Sanderson, Roberts, Trusty; Williams, Hall, Gardner, Mejbri, Graham; Hogan, Deeney

We say: Preston North End 2-0 Birmingham City

With Birmingham making some eye-catching signings, they may eventually move themselves away from trouble. However, we cannot back against Preston, who we expect to claim a second win and eighth clean sheet in succession.

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