Preston's away form has been their downfall this season but recent form has picled up with a draw at Bristol City and a victory away at Doncaster. If Burnley and Swansea both slip up in the afternoon kick offs then there will be some motivation for North End to go for an unlikely three points.
Birmingham will also have an eye on the afternoon fixtures although they are now firm favourites to claim the second automatic spot.
Preston and Birmingham have crossed swords before in the time that Preston have spent at this level over the past decade. For this match Irvine may actually have some choices to make as opposed to being down to the bare bones like he has been for much of the season.
Mellor and Parkin are likely to start up front but players seem to be returning in all positions just as the games are running out. Trotman and Hawley return from indifferent spells at Colchester. Thye have been welcomed back into the fold but it is seemingly likely that Hawley will leave in the Summer. Trotman who is recovering from injury may well make the bench alongside Liam Chilvers with neither setting foot on the pitch for th efirst team this season.
Experienced left back Callum Davidson is also pushing for a place although after last weekend's emphatic victory over Cardiff, Irvine may stick to the same winning formula.
Whatever happens, Irvine has had a season of improvement with defenders coming back to fitness he now looks to the Summer to plug the gaps in midfield before launching an assault next season.