Preview: Five talking points ahead of Preston North End v Bolton Wanderers

After the November international break, Wanderers travel to Preston North End on Friday night looking to extend their unbeaten run. Knowing a victory could take the Whites out of the Sky Bet Championship relegation zone, bwfc.co.uk highlights five talking points ahead of the Bolton's clash with the Lilywhites.

1. Football is back

Club football after the final international break of the calendar year as Wanderers travel to local-rivals Preston North End on Friday night.

Last time out, the Whites claimed a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Norwich City to move off the bottom of the Sky Bet Championship and extend their recent unbeaten run.

Now looking to pick up where they left off, Bolton will be keen to return to action with a bang knowing victory could take them out of the second tier's bottom three if other results go their way.

2. Unbeaten run

The Trotters head into Friday's trip to Deepdale unbeaten from their last five outings.

Picking up maximum points against Sheffield Wednesday and Norwich City, Wanderers have only late goals to curse for stalemates against Queens Park Rangers, Fulham and Sunderland.

Despite the November international break temporarily halting momentum, the Whites' recent form sees them confident as they go in search of a first away win of the season.

And while Bolton have not won on the road at this level since April 2015, could that all be about to change on Friday night? Only time will tell.

3. Local derby

Having fought out many memorable encounters with a number of their North West rivals in Sky Bet League One last season, local derby clashes in the Sky Bet Championship are few and far between for the Trotters this year.

With Preston their only neighbours at this level, excitement is high heading into the game with local bragging rights up for grabs.

Facing off under the lights in front of the cameras with over 3,000 away fans making the trip, the scene is set for a pulsating match on Friday night.

And with North End in need off three points themselves after a recent injury crisis coincided with a slump in form, both sides will have plenty to play for come the first whistle on Friday.

4. Live on Sky Sports

Friday night's game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports as Wanderers and Preston lock horns at Deepdale.

Phil Parkinson's men will be looking to make a point in front of the TV cameras, having been written off by many one month ago following the conclusion of the last international break.

With limited meetings between the two sides since the Whites' Play-Off Final victory over Preston in 2001, the last clash between them at Deepdale was also broadcast live on Sky Sports back in October 2015.

However fans, television audiences and broadcasters will be hoping for a little more entertainment this time around following a 0-0 draw that day.

Overseas-based iFollow BWFC should note that Friday night's game is a blacklisted fixture as a result and will not be shown live on the service.

Live audio commentary is available, while a full match replay of the game will also be on offer for all subscribers regardless of location the day after the game.

5. Pay on the day

Tickets will be available to purchase on the night at Deepdale.

Kicking off at 7.45pm, travelling supporters will be able to buy tickets directly from the Away Ticket Office, which is located at the Bill Shankly Kop End at Deepdale and opens at 6pm.

There will be no price increase on the night and with cash and card payments accepted.

Any supporters who have organised for their tickets to be duplicated will also be able to pick their tickets up from the Away Ticket Office.

Advance tickets remain on sale directly from Bolton Central or via the phonelines (0844 871 2932 (option 2 then option 1)) until midday on the day of the game with prices as follows:

Adults - £24

Over-65s - £16

Under-22s - £15

Student - £15

Under-19s - £8

Under-11s - £2 (Must be bought with full-paying adult)

*Preston North End do not permit any child under the age of 14 year to enter the stadium by themselves. Under-14s must be accompanied by a full-paying adult.

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