Preston North End vs Sheffield Wed. - Jermaine Beckford starts ban for Preston

Posted Friday, December 30, 2016 by PA

Jermaine Beckford begins another ban as Preston entertain Sheffield Wednesday at Deepdale.

The striker was dismissed in the reverse fixture earlier this month after fighting with team-mate Eoin Doyle and, on his return against Leeds on Boxing Day, he was dismissed only three minutes after coming on to earn a four-game suspension.

However, North End should be able to call upon Paul Gallagher (calf) and Aiden McGeady (groin), even though Calum Woods (knee) and John Welsh (calf) remain sidelined.

Simon Grayson has already agreed three signings for next month and Tom Barkhuizen, Andy Boyle and Daryl Horgan will all join after this fixture.

Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Kieran Lee is hoping to return to contention after missing the Boxing Day win at Newcastle due to a hip injury.

Lee, who has been nursing the problem for several weeks, will be assessed by head coach Carlos Carvalhal.

Carvalhal has reported no new injury concerns while Fernando Forestieri is expected to resume his partnership with Steven Fletcher up front after returning from suspension at Newcastle.

Fellow striker Gary Hooper (hamstring) and winger Will Buckley (shoulder) both remain doubtful as the Owls bid for their sixth win in seven league matches.