The big question is will Preston North End be relegated in May? After losing the last 3 games and not winning in recall of memory the chances are it’s possible but optimistically unlikely.
Splash! Tom Finney statue at Deepdale.
Preston’s goal difference makes it hard for Luton, Cardiff or Plymouth to overtake PNE. Although Luton could do it with a win and a draw if PNE get no more points. Luton play Coventry and WBA which would be quite tough games normally, Coventry in a play off position.
This Saturday against Plymouth appears a good opportunity for Preston but Plymouth have won a few games recently and PNE have developed a way of losing up to the last minute.
You wouldn’t swap places with Derby though.
PNE to stay up positioned 18th. Derby or Luton to go down with Cardiff and Plymouth.
Some stats, largely thanks to the BBC website.
Standings on Tuesday 22nd April 2025
All played 44 games, 2 to go.
Possible relegation candidates:
16th Portsmouth 52pts GD -13 Max pts 58
17th Stoke 50pts GD -15 Max pts 56
18th Preston 49pts GD -10 Max pts 55
19th Oxford 49pts GD -18 Max pts 55
20th Hull 48pts GD -9 Max pts 54
21st Derby 46pts GD –9 Max pts 52
Relegation Positions:
22nd Luton 46pts GD -23 Max pts 52
23rd Cardiff 43pts GD -23 Max pts 49
24th Plymouth 43pts GD -37 Max pts 49
Still to play each other:
Preston v Plymouth
Hull v Derby
Derby v Stoke
Hull v Portsmouth
Disclaimer: opinion in this post is largely influenced by hope.