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When Paul Heckingbottom began his Preston reign with a win over Luton Town, there was hope that the storm clouds over Deepdale would soon clear.

Instead, Preston have failed to win any of their next four Championship games, earning two points out of a possible twelve.

Preston lost 3-1 at Millwall this weekend, after convincing draws with Middlesbrough and Blackburn Rovers.

This has left the team in 22nd place in the rankings, although on goal difference, and just three points below 16th place.

On the plus side, Heckingbottom is yet to lose a home game in command of Preston, escaping defeats against Luton, Fulham (EFL Cup), and Blackburn.

Watford seemed to have lost all momentum after starting the campaign with five consecutive victories in all competitions.

Despite his immaculate start in August, Tom Cleverley struggled with one point and a 4-1 loss to Norwich in three games.

However, following a spirited 2-1 setback at Manchester City in the EFL Cup, Watford rebounded on Saturday by defeating Sunderland by the same scoreline.

While it needed a late penalty kick to get the three points, Watford’s undefeated streak at Vicarage Road in all competitions now stands at six games in 2024-25.

In contrasting contrast, Watford’s sole away victory this season dates back to the season’s opening weekend.

Preston North End’s Championship Form:

Team News

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Heckingbottom may make changes to Preston’s starting lineup for this match, with Kaine Kesler-Hayden and Robbie Brady expected to return at full-back.

Stefan Thordarson may return to the midfield, while Sam Greenwood is still suspended after receiving a red card against Blackburn.

Cleverley may choose the same Watford XI for this encounter, although Tom Ince and Kwadwo Baah are viable options in the final third.

Angelo Ogbonna, 36, may be rested in favor of Ryan Porteous after playing 90 minutes in two consecutive games.

Several players, including Daniel Bachmann and Francisco Sierralta, will be absent due to injuries.

Preston North End’s likely starting lineup: Woodman; Kesler-Hayden, Storey, Lindsay, Brady; Thordarson, Whiteman; Bowler, Keane, Holmes; Riis.

Watford’s likely starting lineup: Bond; Pollock, Ogbonna, Morris; Ebosele, Sissoko, Dele-Bashiru, Larouci; Kayembe, Chakvetadze; Bayo.