North End will be granted a play-off place should they finish on the same points and goal difference as Cardiff.
Because there is a high possibility that Preston could win by one goal and Cardiff could lose by the same margin when they take on Queens Park Rangers and Sheffield Wednesday respectively, the Football League have confirmed that it will be Preston who extend their season should such an occurrence become reality.
The decision is in reference to Football League regulation 9 - Method of Determining League Position which reads:
If two or more Clubs have the same number of points, goal difference and goals scored, the highest placed Club shall be determined by the respective League records against each other, taking into account in order of precedence, points gained, goal difference and goals scored.
If the above procedures do not separate the Clubs, then the Clubs concerned shall play off a deciding League Match or Matches under arrangements approved by the Board on a neutral ground.
In this instance, Preston would qualify for the play-offs on account of their 6-2 aggregate score in the two League games v Cardiff this season.