Preston North End are set to embark on a new chapter as they host Luton Town at Deepdale in the EFL Championship, marking Paul Heckingbottom’s first match in charge. The former Sheffield United manager has taken the reins at Preston, looking to make an immediate impact and steer the club towards a successful season. As both teams gear up for this intriguing clash, here’s a look at the injury and team news from both camps.
Preston North End Team News
Preston North End enter this match with a relatively clean bill of health, a fortunate position as they transition to life under Heckingbottom. The only significant concern revolves around midfielder Ali McCann. The Northern Ireland international has recently returned to training but is still not quite at the same fitness level as his teammates. Manager Paul Heckingbottom confirmed McCann’s involvement in training sessions this week, which is a positive sign. However, his availability for the match remains uncertain, with the coaching staff likely to make a late call on his inclusion.
Another player whose participation is in doubt is Milutin Osmajic, who has been battling illness. Osmajic was part of the Central League action on Tuesday afternoon but has since been absent. His condition will be monitored closely leading up to the game. Apart from these two, Heckingbottom has a full squad at his disposal, with all other players fit and ready to contribute.
Luton Town Team News
Luton Town, under the guidance of manager Rob Edwards, will be looking to bounce back from a mixed start to their Championship campaign. The Hatters have a more challenging injury list to navigate. Goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski is suspended following his red card in the recent goalless draw against Portsmouth, leaving Edwards with a decision to make in terms of his replacement.
New signings Liam Walsh and Mark McGuinness are poised to make their debuts for Luton. Walsh joined as a free agent after leaving Swansea City, while McGuinness arrives from Cardiff City in a deal that could be worth up to £10 million. Both players are expected to bring a fresh dynamic to the team, but it remains to be seen whether they will start against Preston.
In addition to Kaminski’s absence, Marvelous Nakamba is sidelined for this match but is expected to return for the fixture against QPR. Another new signing, Tom Krauß, who recently joined from Mainz, is recovering from a sprained ankle and isn’t anticipated to feature until after the international break. The club is also waiting on the fitness of Mads Andersen and Reece Burke, both of whom missed the first few games of the season. Edwards hinted that if they don’t feature on Saturday, they should be ready for the QPR match.
Further complicating matters for Luton are the absences of Jacob Brown, Daiki Hashioka, Allan Campbell, Louie Watson, and Tim Krul, who have yet to be included in any matchday squads. However, there is some positive news as Wales international Tom Lockyer has returned to training, marking a significant step in his rehabilitation.
What to Expect
Both Preston North End and Luton Town will be eager to secure three points in this fixture. For Preston, it’s a chance to start afresh under Heckingbottom and demonstrate that they can compete at the upper echelons of the Championship. Luton, meanwhile, will be looking to overcome their injury challenges and showcase the depth and resilience of their squad. As the teams prepare to battle it out at Deepdale, fans can expect an intriguing contest filled with tactical adjustments, debut performances, and a glimpse into what the season holds for both clubs.
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