Preston North End square off against Cardiff City on Saturday afternoon looking to extend their unbeaten run in the Championship to six matches.
While the home side currently occupy 12th position in the standings, Cardiff sit six points above the relegation zone despite being in 21st spot.
Match preview
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When Preston appointed Ryan Lowe last season, the minimum expectation was that he established the club as one that was never under threat of relegation but had aspirations to earn promotion.
That is exactly what has transpired, Preston 15 points clear of the bottom three and eight points below the playoffs with 11 matches remaining.
Preston are currently on a five-match unbeaten streak, yet three of their recent four draws have been goalless, the latest occurring at Watford.
Although that can be perceived to be a positive result, Lowe needs victories and goals from his side going forward, particularly in fixtures such as the one at the weekend.
However, despite collecting five points from three matches at Deepdale, Preston still remain with the second-worst home record in the division.
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As far as Cardiff are concerned, they have well and truly turned a corner under Sabri Lamouchi, accumulating nine points from a possible 12 in recent weeks.
The Bluebirds had previously gone 12 matches without success, and the three wins in question have moved the Welsh outfit six points clear of the relegation zone.
While the threat of demotion to the third tier still remains, Cardiff can play with less pressure on their shoulders for the first time in a number of months, and that may only benefit this team going forward.
Three clean sheets were posted in the aforementioned matches Birmingham City, Reading and Bristol City, the only goals that they have conceded in four outings coming at in-form Norwich City on February 25.
Team News
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With Liam Lindsay serving the second game of a two-match ban, any changes made to Preston's XI could come in midfield and attack.
Troy Parrott failed to make an impact at Watford, potentially leading to a recall for Thomas Cannon or Liam Delap, but Daniel Johnson is expected to retain his spot over Ben Woodburn.
Ryan Ledson is an option if Lowe wishes to replace either Ben Whiteman or Alan Browne in central midfield.
Cardiff will be forced into at least one change with goalkeeper Ryan Allsop serving a suspension, leaving Jak Alnwick to deputise between the sticks.
Callum O'Dowda may return on the left flank after only missing out on a starting spot last weekend due to a lack of training in the days beforehand.
Preston North End possible starting lineup:
Woodman; Storey, Diaby, Cunningham; Potts, Browne, Whiteman, Fernandez; Johnson; Evans, Cannon
Cardiff City possible starting lineup:
Alnwick; Ng, McGuinness, Kipre; Philogene-Bidace, Sawyers, Ojo, Wintle, O'Dowda; Wickham, Kaba
We say: Preston North End 1-1 Cardiff City
Given Cardiff's recent improvements, Preston need a win on Saturday far more than the visitors. With that in mind, we feel that the Bluebirds may settle for a point should the opportunity arise, something which appears possible with Preston's recent run of stalemates.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Darren Plant
