Preston North End will play Hearts on Wednesday evening in the penultimate game of their pre-season schedule with kick-off at 9:45 pm.
Preston finished in 13th position in the Championship last season, but their form improved significantly after manager Ryan Lowe took over at the turn of the year. There is growing belief that the North-West outfit can make a bid for the playoffs this season, especially with a number of shrewd signings having already been made.
Goalkeeper Freddie Woodman brings plenty of experience at this level, while Robbie Brady and Ben Woodburn have the potential to emerge as two of the best value-for-money additions of the season.
As it stands, Preston are yet to totally convince during their list of friendlies; however, a 2-1 defeat against Getafe in Spain should not necessarily be viewed as a negative result.
However, despite their fine run of pre-season form and an upcoming friendly with Leicester City, first-team coach Robbie Neilson will want to see major improvements in order for Hearts to be competitive in the season opener against rivals Wigan Athletic.
The Edinburgh-based side have enjoyed a perfect pre-season with five wins and a draw coming from six fixtures. While the level of opposition should be taken into consideration, the club has built up a certain level of momentum ahead of attempting to close the gap to Celtic and Rangers.
Preston North End vs Hearts Head to Head
Both sides are yet to face against each other and this marks their first encounter. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Accrington Stanley 0-1 Preston North End
- Getafe 2-1 Preston
- Bamber 0-3 Preston
- Preston 4-1 Middlesbrough
Away
- Tranmere 1-2 Hearts
- East Fife 0-7 Hearts
- Europa FC 0-4 Hearts
- Rangers 2-0 Hearts
Preston North End Team News
Neilson should decide whether to alter his Hearts XI with six players having played 90 minutes at the weekend. Goalkeeper Ross Stewart may be drafted in between the sticks, while Nathaniel Atkinson could get a run out after remaining on the bench.
Hearts Team News
Welsh striker Ched Evans and Dane Emil Riis Jakobsen are most likely to drop down to the substitutes’ bench after being given the most game time (82 minutes), while young Englishman Ben Woodburn may be used in an advanced role in a fixture that is being played against his former club.
Prediction and Odds
Heart of Midlothian can only be encouraged by its pre-season results, but the teams it has played have not been as strong as Preston North End. We predict a narrow win for the English side.
- Away Win
- Both Teams to Score
- Goals Over 1.5
