Wolves vs Preston: The inside track on the Lilywhites

Speaking with Dave Seddon, Preston reporter for the Lancashire Evening Post - we take a look at what Wolves can expect from the encounter.

How have Preston got on so far this season - there's obviously been quite a shake-up since Simon Grayson departed?

They've done very well so far, probably exceeded expectations, but there is a strong belief building-up.

There has not been change of personnel since Simon Grayson left - just two players signed after his departure - but there is definitely a different feel about the club.

Alex Neil has obviously taken the reins - how has he adapted to the job after a mixed spell at Norwich?

He came in a week into pre-season, assessed the squad, liked the look of most of them and has driven them on.

He did well at Norwich in taking them to promotion.

The disappointment there was how they responded into dropping back into the Championship.

Neil is an intense character, confident in what can be achieved.

Who are the real danger men for PNE?

Jordan Hugill is a willing runner up front and knows where the net is - obviously Wolves looked at him closely in the summer.

Tom Barkhuizen has been excellent on the right-wing, while Ben Pearson is back in midfield after a six-game injury absence.

What kind of system can Wolves expect to face?

Neil has played a 4-2-3-1 system in every game bar one, so expect something similar.

The club have seen a notable number of injuries of late, how has that affected the side on the pitch?

They've handled the loss of defenders Tom Clarke (Achilles) and Greg Cunningham (detached tendon in his knee) very well.

Ben Pearson was missing for all of September but North End remained unbeaten without him.

What have you made of Wolves so far this season?

Looking from afar, they have done very well and have adapted quickly to the change of head coach and influx of new players.

I expect them to be a serious promotion contender, with no doubt more squad strengthening to be done in January.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of this current PNE side?

The big strength of the Preston side is its togetherness - a band of brothers is how I saw it described by one pundit.

It is a mainly young side but with the guidance of one or two older heads.

Maybe they lack a bit of calmness in the final third, sometimes the wrong pass or decision is made in promising areas.

What's your prediction for the game?

2-1 Preston win! That said, a draw wouldn't surprise me.

You can follow Dave on Twitter by searching for @Sedds_lep.