Preston vs Southampton preview: Team news and prediction

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Preston vs Southampton brings together two sides in contrasting form at Deepdale on Saturday 7 November. North End are bottom of the Championship and searching for Graham Alexander’s first victory, while Southampton arrive unbeaten in six matches.

Kick-off is at 3pm UK time. Preston need a response after losing 3-2 to Sheffield United in midweek, while Saints drew 1-1 at West Brom thanks to Sam Edozie’s equaliser.

Preston vs Southampton preview: Form and what is at stake

Preston have taken five points from their opening 14 league matches, leaving them nine points from safety. Alexander is preparing for his seventh game in charge and needs his side to turn competitive spells into results.

Tuesday’s defeat illustrated the problem. Leo Leroy gave Preston an early lead against Sheffield United, but Sydie Peck’s hat-trick turned the match around before Callum Lang reduced the deficit.

Southampton have been considerably harder to beat. Their last six league results comprise four wins and two draws, giving Tonda Eckert’s side momentum heading into the international break.

Team	Last six league results, oldest first
Preston North End	L L L D L L
Southampton	W W D W W D

Preston vs Southampton team news

Preston will be without Johnny Kenny after the striker suffered a hamstring injury against Sheffield United. Leroy is suspended after collecting his fifth yellow card.

The Lancashire Evening Post’s latest team news also lists Ali McCann, Harry Clarke, Lewis Gibson and Liam Gibbs among the continuing absentees.

There is a potential addition to Alexander’s options. Greg Docherty has signed a deal until the end of the season and is eligible to make his debut.

Southampton injury news: Scienza could return

Leo Scienza is the Southampton player most likely to return after missing the West Brom match as a precaution. Eckert has expressed hope that the attacker will be available at Deepdale.

Cyle Larin and Caspar Jander remain significant doubts. Larin’s fitness is particularly important given his eight goals this season, but neither player should be treated as a confirmed starter.

Lewis Dobbin could face the club where he spent last season on loan. Edozie has also strengthened his case for involvement after scoring at The Hawthorns.

Where the match could be won

Analysis: Preston’s immediate challenge is to protect their defence without leaving their forwards isolated. Losing Leroy to suspension and Kenny to injury makes that balance harder to find, particularly with several other players already unavailable.

Lang offers a route to goal, but North End need sustained support around him. Chasing the match too early could give Southampton’s attacking midfielders more space between the lines.

Saints have several ways to create chances even if Larin remains absent. Preston’s official match preview highlights the combined contribution of Larin, Finn Azaz and Kuryu Matsuki, who have been involved in 20 goals between them.

Azaz’s creativity and Matsuki’s movement should therefore remain central concerns for the hosts. A Scienza return would give Eckert another attacking option.

Preston vs Southampton prediction

Our prediction: Preston 1-2 Southampton.

Preston showed against Sheffield United that they can threaten, but their absences and difficulty keeping opponents out make Southampton the stronger choice. Saints’ recent consistency gives them the edge, although their own injury doubts could keep the contest close.

What time is Preston vs Southampton and is it on TV?

Preston vs Southampton kicks off at 3pm GMT on Saturday 7 November at Deepdale. Tom Nield is the referee.

The match is not being shown live on UK television. Southampton’s official match guide confirms that Saints Play video coverage is available in eligible overseas markets, with audio commentary available to subscribers in the UK.

Follow our Championship coverage for more previews, team news and reports from across the division.

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