Preston had good news on the injury front this week with Neil Mellor getting ever closer to full fitness and Brett Ormerod stepping up his training along with Andy Smith and Adam Nowland.
The only doubt for Paul Simpson is frontman Danny Dichio who picked up a knock last Saturday and could leave the door open for star striker David Nugent to return in front of the cameras.
Preston will be looking to maintain a strong home record having not lost in a League match since a 1-0 home reverse against Stoke last September.
Barnsley faced a midweek Cup tie with MK Dons and manager Andy Ritchie is set to make changes for the Friday night match. Barnsley have coped with the step up in division and will be looking to consolidate their league position.