U's up first for Lillywhites

Graham Westley's new-look Preston side entertain Colchester as the 2012/13 season gets underway on August 18.

Westley has already overseen a massive squad overhaul at Deepdale, bringing 12 new players into the club while releasing the same number. After facing the U's, Preston hit the road with games at Shrewsbury on August 21 and Bournemouth on August 25. Bury make the short trip north-west to provide the opposition on Boxing Day, with Westley's men tackling Doncaster three days later. The Lilywhites then travel cross-country to face Hartlepool on New Year's Day. Tranmere are set to be the last visitors to Deepdale (April 20) before a final-day clash with promotion-hopefuls Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on April 27.