North End are out of the drop zone but should they fail to pick up points over the next three games then they could well find themselves bottom of the pile once again.
Complacency has to be guarded against and Preston must now push on after two much needed away victories.
Scunthorpe are also at the wrong end of the table and Preston will hope to put them deeper in trouble this Christmas. After a bright start the new boys have found their form slipping ever since they defeated Preston earlier in the season.
Irvine has been consistent in selection but with a busy period ahead he may well tinker slightly. Mellor and Gallagher set to continue to allow them to form a partnership up front. Mckenna may well be still suffering from injury and so Carter will once again deputise.
The back four will remain the same and Irvine will be looking for another solid performance to allow his front players the freedom to build on a firm base. The boss will know that the two home games are winnable followed by a trip to Hillsborough on New Years Day which could put a good spin on things for the year ahead.