Stoke City vs Preston: Injury Crisis Looms with 5 Ruled Out and 4 Key Doubts – Who Will Rise to the Challenge?

Preston North End Seek First Away Win Since March

Preston North End are back in Championship action on Tuesday night, aiming to end their long wait for an away win in the league. The Lilywhites’ next test comes against Stoke City at the bet365 Stadium, with the Potters currently sitting mid-table. Both sides come into this fixture off the back of 1-1 draws in their previous games. Stoke’s result featured former PNE loan player Tom Cannon on the scoresheet against QPR. As the teams prepare for their 19:45 kick-off, here’s a look at the injury and team news for both camps.

Preston North End Team News

Preston might see the return of Liam Lindsay, who has been sidelined with a groin injury. The defender, who previously played for Stoke, has missed the last two matches after being forced off during the game against Sunderland earlier this month. However, his inclusion remains uncertain. Robbie Brady, recovering from an ankle ligament injury sustained in late October, is expected to return to training next week.

On a positive note, club captain Ben Whiteman is fit to play after a minor knee issue caused him to be substituted in Saturday’s draw against Derby County. Patrick Bauer continues to recover from his elbow injury, while Ali McCann will miss this fixture due to a one-match suspension after accumulating five yellow cards this season.

Players Out: Robbie Brady, Patrick Bauer, Ali McCann
Doubt: Liam Lindsay

Stoke City Team News

Stoke City have their own midfield adjustments to make, with Wouter Burger returning from suspension. However, Jordan Thompson is ruled out after receiving his fifth yellow card during the clash with QPR. A decision is pending on Andrew Moran, who missed the last match due to illness. Manager Narcis Pelach indicated that if Moran isn’t fully fit, he won’t feature, prioritizing healthy players for the squad.

Defensively, Enda Stevens and Ash Phillips were included in the squad last weekend, while Lynden Gooch has returned to training and is available at the coach’s discretion. Meanwhile, Bosun Lawal, Sam Gallagher, and Ben Pearson remain doubts. Pearson, a former PNE player, suffered a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury in September.

Players Out: Ben Pearson, Jordan Thompson
Doubts: Bosun Lawal, Sam Gallagher, Lynden Gooch