Bailey Wright returned to Deepdale fo Bristol City and was given a mixed reception but he endured a torid night as Preston tore the relegation threatened club to shreds int he second half.
Baptiste returned to the starting line up in place of Boyle at the back whilst Robinson replaced Horgan. Barhuizen moved out to the wing with Robinson supporting Hugill.
The former Villa man did have a stint at Bristol City and played some of hs best football of the season to blow away the visitors as Preston used power and pace to dismantle their opponents.
North End dominated the opening but again could not convert chances in the first fifteen minutes. Fortunately, Bristol City were unable to force home in the one period of the game when they had the ball.
Barkhuizen then opened the scoring as he continued his recent good form. McGeady slotted a ball through to Robinson who pulled back for Barkhuizen to slot home.
Nortth End took the one goal lead into the break but after the interval there was no looking back with four goals in a 21 minute period which had the visitors in a daze.
Just after the break Robinson was bundled over in the box. McGeady took over penalty duties after Hugill fluffed his lines at Wigan and the Irish international did not miss.
Shortly after a curling ball from the right was nodded home by Clarke and Bristol City were looking ragged. Preston broke at will with Robinson, Barkhuizen and McGeady with the potential to score at will.
Robinson did get on the scoresheet twice with goals and then Grayson made changes. McGeady and Pearson came off just after the hour mark to save energy for the trip to Leeds on Saturday.
Preston continued to attack but could not add to their five goal lead. North End gained a point on the play off positions as Fulham lost at Derby but Wednesday won at Rotherham.
North End are five points behind Wednesday who face Newcastle on Saturday evening whilst Preston face a tough test at Leeds who lost to Brentford.