Preston North End will aim to preserve their unbeaten Championship record when winless Swansea City travel to Deepdale on Saturday.
Key Takeaways
- Preston head into Saturday’s clash on the back of successive wins
- Swansea have taken two points from a possible nine this season
- Only three teams have conceded fewer Championship goals than Preston this term
Two sides in contrasting form face off in Lancashire this weekend, with unbeaten Preston hosting winless Swansea. The Lilywhites have put down a maker in recent weeks, while the Swans have flattered to deceive.
Preston North End Form
It would not be unfair to say that Preston made a slow start to the 2023-24 campaign, drawing 1-1 with Bristol City before suffering an EFL Cup exit at the hands of Salford City. Since then, however, Ryan Lowe’s side have set themselves up for a successful season.
Following a 2-1 victory over Sunderland a fortnight ago, the Lilywhites secured a hard-fought 1-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday last time out. Better still, only Ipswich Town, Birmingham City and Watford have conceded fewer goals than Preston’s two.
Swansea City Form
At the opposite end of the table, Swansea City are already looking over their shoulders following a nightmare start to the season, which has seen them pick up just two points from their opening three matches to remain winless in the Championship.
Yes, the Swans claimed a 3-0 win over Northampton Town in the EFL Cup, but they have yet to taste victory in the league this term. To make matters worse for Michael Duff’s men, they have already conceded five goals in the league.
Head-to-Head
Preston registered a 1-0 victory in this fixture last year, although Swansea gained their revenge back in April, thrashing the Lilywhites 4-2.
Across the past six meetings between Preston and Swansea, both sides have picked up three wins, suggesting that Saturday’s clash will be a close-fought battle.
Team News
The hosts are still without long-term injury absentees Ched Evans and Emil Riis, while Benjamin Whiteman is also expected to be absent this weekend.
Swansea, on the other hand, will be without German goalkeeper Steven Benda for the foreseeable future as he continues to recover from a knee issue, with Liam Walsh also sidelined through injury.
Key Players
Former Manchester United striker Will Keane has already bagged two goals and one assist for Preston this season, while Duane Holmes has chipped in with one goal and two assists.
The Swans have secured the loan services of several Premier League youngsters, including Arsenal’s Charlie Patino, Newcastle’s Harrison Ashby and Brighton’s Carl Rushworth.
How to Watch on TV or Online
The clash between Preston North End and Swansea City will not be broadcast on TV or online in the UK.
Final Thoughts
While Preston have avoided defeat in the Championship this season, Swansea have failed to taste victory. With that in mind, the hosts will be hopeful of extending their unbeaten start to 2023-24 this weekend.