Things have not turned out well for Preston since the return fro the enforced World Cup break. Six key players sustained injuries during a periodof no competitive games.
North End playes most of December with youth playes filling the bench. They did manage an impressive win in their first game back in a snow flurry at Blackburn but thereafer it went downhill.
Defeat at home to QPR was followed by a dismal performance and loss to bottom of the table Huddersfield. This was followed by an equally poor display away at a resurgent West Brom who easily defeated Preston.
A visit to Stoke started off 2023 and in all honesty it was a game of poor quality and limited chances which was won in injury time thanks to a Ched Evans header from a set piece as the foward continued his good run of form.
Preston sit outside the top six along with a host of clubs who are still within reach of the play offs. The fact that they are within touching distance of the top six really shows how poor the quality is throughout the division this year.
There is now a break from the league as the FA Cup takes priority this weekend. It will be interesting to see how the next few weeks develop as it could be key to the remainder of Preston's season.