Opposition Camp: What to expect from Preston North End - With Jack Tucker

For Paul Heckingbottom's Preston, this summer's preparation have been far from ideal, but the Lancashire rivals still present a new test for the Wanderers. To get the lowdown what to expect from the opposition, we spoke to Jack Tucker, PNE writer and co-host of The Butter Pie Podcast.

What’s the feeling like around Preston ahead of the Championship kick-off? One of excitement, or dread after a difficult pre-season?

"It's one of dread, after a dismal pre season that saw us win only one match, we've also not recruited sufficiently.

"For a team that supposedly wants to move away from playing wing-backs and transition to wide attackers, only signing one winger is not enough. Granted, this would be a different answer if we managed to get four or five bodies in, but at the moment the general feeling is very dull and concerning."

After losing Ben Whiteman, do you think there will be any significant changes to the way Preston play?

"Whiteman is a huge loss, not only was he the captain, but he just possessed different abilities that other midfielders in the squad just don't have. Line-breaking passes, the ability to create from deep, and also just keep the ball ticking in possession.

"We need to replace him with someone with those same attributes, although finding like him will be difficult and not come cheap.

"We'll have to rely on Alfie Devine and the attackers dropping deep to progress the ball forward which would make us susceptible to a high turnover of possession."

It’s Preston’s first game with Bolton in the league in six years, how do you think Paul Heckingbottom will approach the match?

"His record in local derbies has been pretty poor, so he will be looking to make things right and get us off the mark for the season.

"You can tell Hecky is frustrated by the lack of movement on the transfer front, but I imagine he'll be encouraged by what he say last week at Huddersfield.

"He'll have to make some bold decisions such as dropping Milutin Osmajic for Jusef Erabi, and whether he'll start Delano Burgzorg, however, I think he'll be quietly optimistic about his chances."

Is there a player in this Preston squad Bolton fans should be wary of?

"It's hard to look at anyone else other than Alfie Devine - his technical ability and intelligence off the ball is staggering to watch.

"He rarely sticks centrally, constant vertical movements allow him to find pockets of space in between the lines and when he has space, he drives forward and either create a chance or have a go himself. He was our most creative player last season and to get him permanently is a statement, we just need to back him with better quality to see him truly excel."

Finally, what’s your score prediction for Saturday?

"This will be a really close game.

"Bolton will want to make a great first impression at home on the opening day and Preston desperately need to calm the nerves surrounding the club. I believe that Preston will just edge the game out and win 2-1, it'll be down to Alfie Devine's influence on the day."

Bolton Wanderers Championship campaign kicks-off at 12:30 on Saturday, as the Whites look for more than just bragging rights when Preston North End come to town.