Mawene will start his first game for over a year alongside Chilvers with experienced full backs Davidson and Alexander completing the defensive quartet.
whaley and Pugh fill the wide berths with Nicholls most likely to start in the middle alongside Sedgewick with latest signing Carter to be on the bench. Mellor if fit will partner Ormerod up front.
Preston are hopeful of a positive start with Norwich depleted due to a food bug that has been going round the squad. They are set to be four players light of their strongest eleven including leading striker darren Huckerby.
Simpson will be looking to the experienced players to bring them through this first match whilst hoping the youngsters can blossom.