Going to the Britannia has never been easy with Preston last victory ten years ago through a Michael Jackson header albeit for several seasons the clubs were in seperate divisions.
Familiar faces will be seen on the Stoke team sheet with Cresswell and Fuller likely to partner each other up front with recent signing Danny Pugh also expected to play.
Preston have faced the tough physical style of Tony Pullis throughout the past decade as he took his Gillingham side to promotion in 1996 following Preston as Champions. The match will certainly be a battle against a very tough team who will be hard to break down.
Preston will most likely remain unchanged after a clean sheet in both the lats two games coinciding with Mawene's return and St Ledger to right back. Matt Hill returns after suspension and will challenge Davidson to the left back spot.
Chaplow and Mckenna will be given time to form a partnership in midfield with Stoke old boy Lewis Neal set to continue on the left with Whaley on the right.
After scoring the winner last week, Mellor will be pushing for a starting place alongside new boy Chris Brown although Hawley has looked lively.
Preston will have to compete as they did against Watford and be ready to play physically to compete with Stoke. If we can get the ball down through the middle then chances should be created and hopefully converted by the front two.