Swansea City start a new era without Joel Piroe but have added firepower in the form of Jerry Yates for this afternoons clash with Preston North End. Speculation regards Nathan Wood hasn’t assisted head coach Michael Duff’s decision making with the Swans boss surely in two minds whether to included him in this afternoons starting eleven.

Josh Ginnelly seems to have shaken off a bug and has travelled north, he will be further assessed this morning before the team leave their hotel. Carl Rushworth will retain his place in goal and Josh Key who really hasn’t put a foot wrong this season will also start. With the Wood situation having potential to affect the players game that is a huge dilemma for Duff. Does he include him or not ? The Swans boss did experiment with Kyle Naughton at the back in pre season friendlies and he is an option. Nathan Tjoe-A-On Is another option, but the left side of the centre three at the back is now an issue.

There was a veil of secrecy around Wood yesterday afternoon. We can only assume he is still with the squad this morning. If not then Duff’s dilemma is solved.

Harry Darling and Ben Cabango are both fit as is Harrison Ashby who earned an assist last week against Coventry City setting up Jerry Yates for a well taken headed goal. The former Blackpool forward scored three times in two games against Preston last season, so he will be more than well known by the Preston support. Midfield options are pretty good with Captain Matt Grimes an easy shout for a start, and it won’t be a surprise to see Jay Fulton in there as well. Charlie Patino had a so,so game last weekend so it will depend on Duff’s thoughts on Ginnelly. The ex Hearts man is adaptable to playing an attacking midfield role or out wide. Again, he could be an easy foil for Yates further forwards.

Other combinations include Oli Cooper, Joe Allen and Liam Cullen who played out wide right in the corresponding fixture last season at the Swansea.Com. Mykola Kukharevych scored for the under 21 side on Monday and is bound to be included in Duff’s squad selection as will Azeem Abdulai. Jamie Paterson has travelled and is a likely bench warmer at the start of this game.

For Preston Duane Holmes will be disappointed not to retain his place after the defeat of Sheffield Wednesday last weekend. We say that as Northern Ireland international Ali McCann is now fit and Captain Alan Browne prefers a more advanced role in midfield. Ryan Ledson will play but Ben Whiteman, Robbie Brady, Emil Riis, Calvin Ramsay, Ched Evans and Layton Stewart are all expected to remain out of contention. There is speculation new signing Jack Whatmough could get a shout in the squad, and it’s yet another reunion for Freddie Woodman and the Swans. Last season the Swans were miserable in a 1-0 defeat at Deepdale but redressed the balance 4-2 at home in April.

Preston North End v Swansea City kicks off at 3pm this afternoon and Swans fans can pay on the day by card or cash at the away stand ticket office.

Artwork by Swansea Independent

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