Deepdale's a fortress when we dig in, and I fancy Preston to grind this one out. Southend's forwards look lively but Rönnlund in goal is a wall — he'll command that box all afternoon. One set piece, one moment of quality, and North End nick it.

Deepdale is a fortress when the groundsman's done his work, and with that pitch playing to Preston's forwards, Southend are going to spend a lot of energy just defending their own half. Almada will cause occasional problems on the break, but Gilbert Tchato has the composure of a man who's seen much worse than an eight-attack game. Both sets of midfielders are operating at a level that suggests neither side will carve the other open — this has Tuesday night bore draw written all over it.