PNE host Sunderland at Deepdale on Saturday afternoon at 3 o'clock. Preston are high flying in fourth despite drawing against Stoke just before the international break, whilst Sunderland lie in fourteenth position after being revived by new manager Roy Keane from a lowly standing. Sunderland are beginning to hit form after a poor start to the season losing their first 5 competitive matches including against Bury in the cup but have won 13 points from their last 6 games, compared to PNE's 12. This fixture usually includes lots of goals and Patrick Agyemang will hope to continue his rich vein of form in front of goal whilst Nugent would like to start scoring again after helping the under 21's through to the European Championships.
Preston enter the game on the back of a 1-1 away draw against Stoke and Sunderland after defeating Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 at home.
The last time the teams met at Deepdale, Preston came away with 3 points after winning 3-2 with Cresswell scoring a hat-trick, that was the same season as when Sunderland ran away with the league title.
So far, Preston have no new injury concerns but some players are still short of match fitness. Sunderland have Liam Miller out injured along with Graham Kavanagh, Stephen Wright, Steve Caldwell and Stephen Elliot.
There were a lot of departures and arrivals over the summer after Sunderland's relegation from the Premiership and manager Roy Keane was able to bring in players like Dwight Yorke, David Connolly and Kenny Cunningham amongst others. Whilst Kelvin Davis and Julio Arca have left for pastures new.
Player to watch: Liam Lawrence, the number 7 is a goal scoring midfielder who can play anywhere along the midfield but usually operates on the right wing. Bought from Mansfield two years ago, he has scored 10 goals in 49 starting appearances.
Match prediction: 2-1
Next fixture: Ipswich (away) Tue 17/10