Preston v City: winless hosts meet improving visitors in Championship test | OneFootball

Preston North End host Bristol City in the Championship at Deepdale on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, with the home side chasing their first points of the season and the visitors looking to build on four points from their opening three games.

Preston North End and Bristol City drew 0-0 at Deepdale in September 2025, before North End won 2-0 in Bristol in January 2026. Stalemates have been a feature of recent meetings.

Preston have lost their first three league matches, scoring two and conceding six, and also went out of the EFL Cup 4-0 to Everton. City recovered from an opening defeat to collect a draw at Birmingham and a home win over Portsmouth, leaving them on four points.

In terms of availability, Preston are without midfielders Brad Potts, Alistair McCann and Theo Carroll. The Robins miss defender Luke McNally.

On the pitch, Preston have attempted 32 open play crosses at 28.12% accuracy and registered a headed goal, so wide supply could be a route, though City's aerial strength is clear with 72 aerial duels won. With City averaging 39% possession and a 66.11% pass completion, transitions may suit their approach. Dom Ballard has scored once this season, while Rio Cardines has supplied two assists. For Preston, Delano Burgzorg has one assist.

A win would lift Preston to three points and could move them closer to safety ahead of hosting Blackburn next. City, currently 12th, could climb the table with victory and build early momentum before a trip to Burnley.