As things stand, the Lilywhites are sitting 16th in the table, and barring a major collapse, are on course for a solid mid-table finish, setting the foundations for an improved 2021/22 campaign.
The last time Preston played the Potters, back in September, Tom Barkhuizen's early sending off catalysed the Lilywhites' downfall, as they fell to a 1-0 defeat at Deepdale.
Speaking ahead of the game, Preston midfielder Ben Whiteman discussed interim head coach Frankie McAvoy being the ninth manager he's worked under in his career thus far, and claimed: “When someone comes in with new, fresh ideas you have to take it board, that is part of being a professional.
“Looking back through my career, experiencing those changes has probably benefited me. When you’ve not had that chop and change, you can find it difficult to settle in with a new manager.
“At first-team level I have been managed by Nigel Clough, Nigel Adkins, Chris Wilder, Steve Evans, Darren Ferguson, Grant McCann, Darren Moore, Alex Neil and Frankie McAvoy. All of them have had their own ideas on how they want you to play the game.”
Here are today's biggest transfer stories and the latest team news involving Preston North End and the rest of the Championship, as the build-up to the weekend's action continues:
![Rotherham United starlet Joshua Kayode has extended his contract at the club, which now runs until the summer of 2024. He's currently on loan with Carlisle United, could could break into the Millers squad for next season. (Club website)](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmRjMzhiYWY4LWU0YjYtNDk2My05MTdhLTMwOGRmODY0MDZjMTozNzMyZmMzYi0yNzEzLTQzMTItYjExYi0zOTAxMzYwNTRmOTc=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
1. Kayode signs new Millers deal
Rotherham United starlet Joshua Kayode has extended his contract at the club, which now runs until the summer of 2024. He's currently on loan with Carlisle United, could could break into the Millers squad for next season. (Club website) Photo: David Rogers
![Sheffield United's interim manager Paul Heckingbottom has been named the bookies' favourite to become the next Doncaster Rovers boss. As a player, he featured for the likes of Barnsley and Darlington. (SkyBet)](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjQ2NmU2NTg2LTdjY2QtNDZkMi1iNjk2LWU3ZTFhYzlkZTc4MzphOWU3ZmNkNy03ODRlLTQ3NzMtOTc1Ny0yZDk4N2Y4NDBkZDc=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
2. Heckingbottom favourite for Doncaster job
Sheffield United's interim manager Paul Heckingbottom has been named the bookies' favourite to become the next Doncaster Rovers boss. As a player, he featured for the likes of Barnsley and Darlington. (SkyBet) Photo: BEN STANSALL
![Cardiff City boss Mick McCarthy has claimed his start to his Bluebirds career has been "educational" rather than "a success". His side made a brief surge towards the play-off places, before coming crashing down over the past couple of months. (BBC Sport)](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjNiZjQ4YTY2LWZlNzMtNGNkYi05NTA2LTQ2NzkzZWI1NjI1MDowN2I4ZWUxOC03OGFhLTQ5YWQtODRiZi0xMjE3MjllYzc4OTk=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
3. Cardiff boss reflects on roller coaster start
Cardiff City boss Mick McCarthy has claimed his start to his Bluebirds career has been "educational" rather than "a success". His side made a brief surge towards the play-off places, before coming crashing down over the past couple of months. (BBC Sport) Photo: Alex Livesey
![Ex-Huddersfield Town star Danny Ward has signed a new contract at Leicester extending his stay with the club until at least 2025. He played a key role in the Terriers' promotion-winning campaign in 2017, while on loan from Liverpool. (Club website)](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmFmOWY4MjI2LTE3ZDQtNDE5ZC1iZWIzLTcyZDdmYjQ0ZGVjOTo1YWM2MzQ1MC00NzlhLTQ1ZmItOWQ5Mi1kOGIyNTBlN2JjNGQ=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
4. Ex-Terriers star lands new Foxes deal
Ex-Huddersfield Town star Danny Ward has signed a new contract at Leicester extending his stay with the club until at least 2025. He played a key role in the Terriers' promotion-winning campaign in 2017, while on loan from Liverpool. (Club website) Photo: Michael Regan