After we spoke in September and Brentford won 5-0 the next day, I would have taken staying up as an achievement! Moving to the present day, Preston are going along steadily, don't lose a lot, probably draw too much, but have the core of a very promising squad. As things stand, I would like to think they can push on from their current 11th place and go higher.
It would take a consistent run of wins for North End to challenge the top six. In terms of not losing, they are consistent with just four defeats in 22 Championship games. But they need to string probably 4 or 5 wins together to build some momentum.
I don't think he always gets the credit he deserves. Preston have improved every season under him - from staving off relegation when he first arrived four years ago, to play-off semi-finalists, to play-off winners, to consolidation last season.
Too right we are! That run has to end sometime doesn't it? I take heart from 1989 when Preston beat Brentford at Deepdale 5-3 and the 4-2 a few months later. Time for a repeat please!
Coping with Brentford's movement up front will be key, something we have clearly struggled with in the past. Ben Pearson, who didn't play at Griffin Park, could be key to knocking Brentford out of their passing rhythm. Higher up the pitch, Jordan Hugill has been in good form lately and will carry Preston's big attacking threat.