Preston know that if they slip up, Birmingham are likely to pounce after putting together a strong run of late. North End know they face a tough December with visits to West Brom and Birmingham so all three points at Leicester would be much welcomed.
North End go into Saturday with St Ledger and Whaley picking up knocks last Saturday. Both are expected to play on Saturday with St Ledger withdrawing from the Ireland squad and Whaley returning to training today.
Nugent returned safely from his man of the match performance for the under 21's and is set to start at Leicester with Dichio, Agyemang and Ormerod all vying for the second striker slot.
The cancellation of the reserves midweek game against Oldham leaves the squad fresh for the Leicester game before two crucial home clashes. Simpson is playing down the club's position at the moment but momentum is growing with every game and Preston will be hoping to put last week's draw behind them with three points at Leicester.