North End have won their last two away games and looked to be progressing well but mistakes at home and plenty of missed opportunities meant that Preston find themselves second bottom.
Irvine will be looking for more clinical finishing and may change his front two. Gallagher has created chances linking up well with the midfield but his finishing along with that of Agyemang and Mellor has been poor in the last two home games. Carrol looks to be heading back to Newcastle but Hawley and Ormerod are both waiting for a chance.
Lewis Neal looked effective on the left and with a shortage of players Nicholls may well force himself back into the midfield with both Carte and Mckenne being ineffective. Whaley may well be out after being forced off early with Sedfewick ready to stand by.
Jones is ruled out at full back with Mawene unlikely to play after the recent ill health of his child. This leaves Irvine left with the bare bones at the back with Davidson having to slot in at right back. The fans will be hoping for no more mistakes from the back four which has cost them dear in the last two matches.
The boss really needs better quality finishing if Preston are going to collect anything in what is likely to be a dog fight at Hillsborough.