09-08-2024, 08:14
The Fitness Test
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It’s hoped that goalkeeper Freddie Woodman will be available to feature, having returned to training on Wednesday following a minor injury which kept him out of the Everton friendly.
Ali McCann is stepping up his recovery but will not be available for selection, nor will Layton Stewart, although he could be back as soon as Tuesday.
New signings Sam Greenwood, Stefán Thórdarson and Kaine Kesler-Hayden could all make their competitive bows for North End.
The Blades
Fresh from their relegation from the Premier League, the Blades will come to Deepdale looking to get off to a good start in what they’ll be hoping is only a temporary return to the second tier.
The side from South Yorkshire have strengthened significantly already this summer, adding permanent additions such as Callum O’Hare and Kieffer Moore, whereas in the past few days Chelsea’s Alfie Gilchrist and Leicester City’s Harry Souttar have joined on loan.
Chris Wilder, a boyhood Sheffield United fan, was the man who took the Blades up to the Premier League in 2023, and he’ll be hoping he can do the same again in his second spell in charge.
The Officials
Referee: Bobby Madley
Assistant Referees: Blake Antrobus and Darren Williams
Fourth Official: Anthony Backhouse
North End haven’t had great luck with Bobby Madley in the middle in recent years, having not won with him as referee since 2012.
That victory was a pretty memorable one as PNE came out 4-1 winners against Swindon Town, but the game is remembered more for Paulo Di Canio’s substitution of goalkeeper Wes Foderingham in the first half.
[IMG]
It’s hoped that goalkeeper Freddie Woodman will be available to feature, having returned to training on Wednesday following a minor injury which kept him out of the Everton friendly.
Ali McCann is stepping up his recovery but will not be available for selection, nor will Layton Stewart, although he could be back as soon as Tuesday.
New signings Sam Greenwood, Stefán Thórdarson and Kaine Kesler-Hayden could all make their competitive bows for North End.
The Blades
Fresh from their relegation from the Premier League, the Blades will come to Deepdale looking to get off to a good start in what they’ll be hoping is only a temporary return to the second tier.
The side from South Yorkshire have strengthened significantly already this summer, adding permanent additions such as Callum O’Hare and Kieffer Moore, whereas in the past few days Chelsea’s Alfie Gilchrist and Leicester City’s Harry Souttar have joined on loan.
Chris Wilder, a boyhood Sheffield United fan, was the man who took the Blades up to the Premier League in 2023, and he’ll be hoping he can do the same again in his second spell in charge.
The Officials
Referee: Bobby Madley
Assistant Referees: Blake Antrobus and Darren Williams
Fourth Official: Anthony Backhouse
North End haven’t had great luck with Bobby Madley in the middle in recent years, having not won with him as referee since 2012.
That victory was a pretty memorable one as PNE came out 4-1 winners against Swindon Town, but the game is remembered more for Paulo Di Canio’s substitution of goalkeeper Wes Foderingham in the first half.
Why should a man go to work, if he has the health and strength to stay in bed?