Preston take on Scunthorpe who only as recently as Boxing Day defeated the Whites. That day Preston only started playing in the second half and failed to capitalise on numurous opportunities. They then faced Cardiff and decided to turn up only in the first half whilst at Sheffield Wednesday the full ninety minutes ressembled more of a circus act from both sides than a football match.
Preston have to improve if they are to progress in the Cup. Scunthorpe will be solid and play on the break. Irvine will look for positives but his pack is so small now after four departures since the turn of the year that it will be hard to shuffle too much.
Lonergan will be under scrutiny as will the back four after mistakes from the keeper, St Ledger and Davidson have cost the Whites in the past fortnight. The strikers have not been much better either and it is anyones guess who might start with Hawley the most likely after scoring on New Years Day.
Whaley looks the most likely to create and rumours of a £1 million pound switch to Crystal Palace are already circulating around Deepdale.
The FA Cup won't be won by Preston but a win at this stage could boost some much needed confidence to help with the league form.