Preston North End can step closer to the Play-Offs if they capitalise on Sheffield Wednesday misfortunes

Having suffered fluctuating form in recent weeks, Preston North End sit 11th in the Championship as they face the trip to Sheffield Wednesday in a fixture which could see the Lilywhites move up to seventh place.

Alex Neil’s Preston have often found themselves in the top half of the Championship but are slightly short of reaching the Play-Offs, but with the likes of Scott Sinclair and Tom Barkhuizen, the Lilywhites could possibly mount a push.

Sinclair arrived at Deepdale after a successful period with Celtic, winning three Scottish Premierships, three Scottish Cups and finally three League Cups. Making a total of 105 appearances for Glasgow’s Green and White, scoring 40 goals in his four seasons there.

Since transgressing from Scotland to England, Sinclair has begun to settle in at the club, having netted eight goals in 23 appearances for North End and will look to add to his current tally against relegation-threatened Sheffield Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Neil Thompson’s side continue to face an uphill battle following their defeat midweek at St Andrew’s to Coventry City. The Owls seem to get everything right up until the final touch.

Wednesday sit six points from safety and the loss at Coventry will be a reality check for the side who have made a number of signings in this January transfer window, but will Thompson find the balance and resurrect what looks to be a relegation doomed campaign?

Having admitted that his side failed to take their chances, can the Owls overcome their misfortunes in the final third? With the experience of Jack Marriott, a Play-Off hero for Derby County, the former Rams man can come good for Wednesday, scoring 76 times in 165 career appearances.

Preston have managed to complete the loan signing of their former full-back, Greg Cunnigham, on loan from Cardiff City for the remainder of the season. The Irish international could make his second debut for the Lilywhites at Hillsborough.

North End come into the clash after a six days of rest since their 0-0 draw against Reading who sit in fifth place, the Lancashire side went toe to toe with the Royals but a win wasn’t on the cards after Lucas João missed his penalty late on for Reading.

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