Preston out of form ahead of West Brom clash

The Lilywhites last won in mid-October, beating Coventry 1-0, however five draws in that period have shown defensive solidity and kept them two points clear of the drop zone and 19th in the league.

They last drew 0-0 with Stoke, limiting their opponents to a single shot on target despite not imposing themselves on the game.

Manager Paul Heckingbottom said after the Stoke match: “I am pleased with a clean sheet, I am pleased with the way we were able to impose ourselves on the game in terms of get better as the game went on, which is always a good sign when you’re away from home in particular, because you know the home side is going to be the ones forcing the issue.

“I’m not saying that we came here and dominated the game, people will probably look at it and say it’s a fair result, but I thought we shaded it and looked stronger as the game went on.

“We have been dominant in games and not won enough of them, but that is nothing to fear or to lack confidence over, we just weren’t as positive as I would have liked us to be.”

Heckingbottom joined the club shortly after the season started, bringing in only Josh Bowler on loan from Nottingham Forest. On the upcoming January window, he’s made clear there’s no guarantees of strengthening the squad.

"One, it's how much we're capable of doing in terms of finance and opportunity. January is always difficult," he said. "The other thing is what we do between now and January. Lots of things I've been pleased with, but I want to win more games, simple.

"That will always determine how aggressive we are in the transfer window and how adamant we are to get things done."