North End out to end run
Preston welcome Coventry to Deepdale looking to avoid a fourth straight defeat in all competitions.
One of those losses came at the hands of the Sky Blues, who completed a dramatic late turnaround to dump Graham Westley's side out of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.
North End have faired little better in npower League One of late, lying 16th with a 1-0 victory at basement boys Hartlepool their only three-point haul in 10 matches.
Keith Keane (knee) and Scott Laird (broken leg) remain on the sidelines, but fellow defender Paul Connolly is poised to make his debut having joined on loan from Leeds last week.
Captain John Mousinho and striker Lee Trundle (hamstring) remain unavailable.
The Lilywhites drew 1-1 in December's league encounter at the Ricoh Arena, with winger Lee Holmes equalising 13 minutes from time.
Mark Robins is expected to have a full-strength squad for the clash.
James Bailey returned from injury to start last weekend's encounter against Oldham and duly bagged a winner four minutes into injury time to seal a 2-1 victory and keep City within three points of the play-off places.
Bailey was the only change from the side who saw off leaders Tranmere, with Franck Moussa dropping to the bench, and boss Robins could well opt to name an unchanged XI at Deepdale.
Source: PA
