The above are probably all correct in some form but the fact is on paper Preston now face eight games and are in the best position at this stage of the season probably since 1964 to attempt to gain automatic promotion to the top flight.
You may say it is not in our own hands but the fact of the matter is any club in the top few who win all their remaining games will get automatic promotion. the reality is no club in the top few will win all their remaining games.
Preston face a tough test on Friday at Leeds. We all know that on paper, results, form and statistics Preston should win but Leeds have some decent players who are now fighting for their lives and futures.
Simpson will have to prepare his players mentally to get a result. He has the luxury of an almost full squad to pick from after recent injuries. Mckenna, Whaley and Neal all played for the reserves and should make the squad.
Simpson is hoping Nugent returns from Andorra and Alexander from Italy after the internationals with no injuries.
Lonergan will remain in goals with St Ledger and Chilvers at the back. Hill will play left back and depending on fatigue and injury Alexander will play at right back with the option of Wilson to fill in.
The midfield has been chopped and changed recently. Songo'o will be likely to start on the right with old boy Pugh on the left. Davidson who has been hard working will be needed in midfield. The choice is if to risk Mckenna in place of Sedgewick. Whaley will almost certainly make the bench for impact.
Up front barring any injury Nugent will start but alongside who is not known. Ormerod may start for his battling qualities with Ricketts sure to be pushing him close. Dichio and Mellor featured in the resereves so they will be fighting with Agyemang for a place on the bench.
With this the last game for suspensions counting - Nugent the only foreseeable casualty then Simpson will have a full squad to pick from for the run so he has to use his players wisely over the remaining eight games to get the best out of the squad as some tough times may lay in wait between now and May 6.