Striker Stephy Mavididi is hoping to start for Preston in Friday night's derby against Bolton, live on Sky Sports Football from 7pm.

The on-loan Arsenal man has had to be content with a super-sub role for most of this time in the north-west but, with Sean Maguire and Jordan Hugill out, the 19-year-old could get his chance. Maguire has had surgery in his torn hamstring and faces between three and four months on the sidelines, while Hugill is banned for Friday's match after picking up five bookings this season.

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Bolton boss Phil Parkinson has said Gary Madine is free to face Preston despite being arrested following an alleged pub brawl during the international break. The 27-year-old was released without charge after an altercation in his native north-east on Friday.

The international break has eased Bolton's injury worries, with Andy Taylor, David Wheater and Will Buckley coming back into contention after niggling problems. Aaron Wilbraham and Adam Le Fondre continue their recovery from hip and calf injuries respectively.

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Preston haven't scored in either of their last two home league matches against Bolton (D1 L1) - the last player to score against the Trotters was Lee Cartwright in a 2-2 draw in October 1992.

Bolton are winless in two league matches against the Lilywhites (D1 L1), last going three without a win in October 1958 (five matches).

Preston have lost their last four league matches in a row - they haven't lost five consecutively since January 2003.

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Bolton have followed eight consecutive league defeats with a five-game unbeaten run (W2 D3), although the Trotters are currently winless in 33 away Championship games (D9 L24).

Alex Neil has never lost three consecutive home games in English league football as a manager.

Adam Armstrong ended a run of 16 league matches without a goal in Bolton's last match against Norwich, scoring the second in a 2-1 win. Armstrong hasn't scored in back to back league matches since November 2015, doing so in League One for Coventry.

Prutton's prediction

Now this is a tough one to call. A few weeks ago this would have been a home banker but Preston have slumped badly with four defeats on the spin while Bolton, incredibly, have the chance to lift themselves out of the relegation zone on Friday night.

Phil Parkinson's side wouldn't have wanted the international break that saw them go unbeaten in five, while also securing a great win over Norwich a fortnight ago, to end. I think this could be an away win, but a narrow one at that.

Prutton predicts: 0-1 with Sammy Ameobi to score first (75/1 with Sky Bet)

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