Meet the opposition | Preston
As Swansea City get set to host Preston at the Liberty Stadium, we take a closer look at the form and history of the visitors.
What’s their story?
Preston have firmly established themselves in the second tier since their promotion from League One at the end of the 2014-15 season, and have regularly been play-off contenders.
They are one of few sides who have twice lifted the FA Cup, once in 1889 and again in 1938
They were also the First Division champions during the maiden year of the Football League in 1888-89, and followed that up by retaining the title the following season.
How's their form?
At the time of writing Preston have won just one of their last nine Championship games, and that sequence saw the club part company with manager Alex Neil at the outset of the international break.
However, they have found wins easier to come by on their travels, winning nine games away from Deepdale in all competitions, compared to six on home turf.
Who’s the boss?
Frank McAvoy. The Scot had been appointed interim head coach while the search for a full-time successor to Alex Neil gets under way.
McAvoy started his coaching career working in the Dunfermline and Hamilton academies, going on to join Neil’s first-team staff with the Academicals.
The pair guided them to promotion to the top-flight, and repeated the feat in England with Norwich before their time at North End.
Who’s the captain?
Alan Browne. The Republic of Ireland international has been a stalwart at Deepdale, and is now in his eighth year with the club having joined from Cork City in 2014.
The midfielder helped Preston return to the Championship via the play-offs in 2015 and has been an integral and influential figure during his time at the club.
Scored his first senior international goal in the Republic’s defeat to Serbia during the international break.
Who are the key men?
Former Swansea forward Scott Sinclair has proved Preston’s most potent attacking threat with nine goals to his name so far this term.
Midfielder Daniel Johnson has five goals and three assists to his name and has been an important figure over recent seasons.
Exciting Everton youngster Anthony Gordon joined on loan in January, while Ched Evans is another recent arrival from Fleetwood.
