Preview: Wigan Athletic vs. Preston North End - prediction, team news, lineups

The visitors, meanwhile, are set to enter their eighth consecutive season in the second tier of English football, with Ryan Lowe set to enjoy his first full season as Preston boss.

Match preview

Wigan have returned to the Championship after racking up 92 points last season on their way to the League One title, which ended a two-year spell in the third tier of English football.

Leam Richardson helped his side avoid relegation in the 2020-21 campaign in spite of Wigan's financial issues, and the 42-year-old continued to weave his magic in the dugout last term.

No side scored more goals than the Latics last season, while they also ended their League One title-winning campaign with the joint second-best defensive record in the division.

Having already two successful years as Wigan boss, Richardson's next challenge will be to help his side avoid an immediate return to the third tier.

As they bid to avoid relegation, the Latics will believe they can get off to a positive start after winning the opening game of their last two Championship campaigns.

After recording back-to-back 13th place finishes, Preston will be aiming for a top half position under the tutelage of Lowe, who is set to take charge of his first full season.

The former Plymouth Argyle boss took over a side that were four points clear of the relegation zone after 21 games and guided them to a midtable finish.

A four-point gap to the drop zone turned to a 27-point cushion by the season end, ensuring Preston have the chance to participate in the Championship for an eighth consecutive season.

The Lilywhites have experienced a busy summer ahead of the new campaign, making six new additions to their squad, while as many as 12 players have left Deepdale.

After losing their opening game of the last three seasons, Preston are hoping a meeting with their Lancashire rivals will result in a change in fortunes.

Wigan Athletic pre-season form:

Preston North End pre-season form:

Team News

Ryan Nyambe recently signed for Wigan on a free transfer, and the right-back will be included in Saturday's squad, although he may have to settle for a place on the bench.

Richardson is expected to favour a back three on Saturday, which could feature Jason Kerr, Jack Whatmough and Curtis Tilt.

After scoring 26 league goals last season, Will Keane will be hoping his form in the third tier will transfer into the Championship, with the forward set to lead the line at the weekend.

As for Preston, they are without the services of Sean Maguire who is expected to be out until the middle of August due to an injury issue.

Following a busy summer of transfer activity, Lowe could give up to six players their competitive debuts, including Alvaro Fernandez and Troy Parrott, who have joined on loan from Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur respectively.

Meanwhile, last season's top scorer Emil Riis is expected to lead the line for Preston for Saturday's contest.

Wigan Athletic possible starting lineup:

Amos; Kerr, Whatmough, Tilt; Darikwa, Power, Naylor, Shinnie, McClean; Lang, Keane, Magennis

Preston North End possible starting lineup:

Woodman; Diaby, Lindsay, Hughes; Brady, Whiteman, Browne, Fernandez; Johnson, Parrott, Riis

We say: Wigan Athletic 1-2 Preston North End

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