Football News: Preston Poised for Top-Half Finish in EFL Championship
As the new EFL Championship season approaches, our experts have high hopes for Preston North End to repeat their impressive top-half performance from the previous campaign. Following another solid season under the guidance of manager Ryan Lowe, the Lilywhites are tipped to once again finish in the upper echelons of the table.
Preston’s Ambitions for the Upcoming Season
Preston have been knocking on the door of the play-off places in recent years, and with Lowe now firmly established in his role, the team is primed to push for a potential top-six finish. Last term, they secured a 10th-place finish, two positions better than the year prior, finishing just 10 points off the play-off spots.
Lowe has been making shrewd moves in the transfer market, despite the budgetary constraints he faces. The departures of club captain Alan Browne, as well as Ben Woodburn and Greg Cunningham, will be felt, but the additions of Stefan Teitur Thordarson from Silkeborg and the loan signing of Sam Greenwood from Leeds United are expected to bolster the squad’s quality and depth.
“Thordarson brings valuable experience, having earned 21 caps for the Icelandic national team and lifting the Danish Cup with Silkeborg. Greenwood, on the other hand, is known for his creative flair and set-piece expertise, having impressed during a loan spell at Middlesbrough last season.”
Aiming for a Fast Start and Capitalizing on Rivals’ Inconsistency
The key for Preston will be replicating their fast start from the previous campaign. Lowe’s men recorded six narrow wins in their opening eight matches, and the manager’s ability to prepare his side effectively during pre-season will be crucial. With the season opener at home against Sheffield United, followed by a possible EFL Cup tie against Sunderland, and then a run of winnable fixtures, Preston will be aiming to hit the ground running.
The unpredictable nature of the Championship adds to the Lilywhites’ hopes, as some of the division’s heavyweights, such as relegated Premier League sides Sheffield United and Luton Town, may require time to adjust. Lancashire rivals Burnley, under the guidance of new boss Scott Parker, also present an unknown quantity.
With Leeds United, Burnley, Middlesbrough, Luton, and Sheffield United all considered among the favorites for promotion, the door is open for Preston to capitalize on the inconsistency of their rivals and secure a coveted top-half finish. The 11/2 odds for a top-six place suggest that Lowe’s side could be an enticing prospect for those seeking value in the EFL Championship market.
As the new season approaches, Preston North End’s fans will be eager to see their team build on their recent successes and potentially challenge for a return to the Premier League, with the 2023/24 campaign shaping up to be an exciting one for the Lilywhites.
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