Preston North End
Wolverhampton Wanderers
>Preston North End vs Wolverhampton Wanderers Prediction & Betting Tips – 22/08/2026
Preston North End welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers to Deepdale on Saturday 22 August for a Championship fixture with both sides still searching for their first win of the 2026/27 campaign. Preston sit 17th after an opening-day defeat at Bolton, while Wolves, fresh from Premier League relegation, occupy 12th following a dramatic late draw against Blackburn. With the visitors widely tipped as promotion contenders, this early-season clash carries real weight as both managers look to build momentum before the division settles into shape.
Match Analysis
Wolverhampton Wanderers arrive at Deepdale as clear favorites at 1.83, backed by Premier League pedigree and a dominant Matchday 1 display that saw them average 18 shots and 55% possession against Blackburn Rovers.
- 18 shots and 55% possession in Matchday 1 signals clear attacking superiority over Championship opponents.
- 2.0 goals scored per game this season; Raul Jimenez already showing composure with a 93rd-minute penalty winner.
- Wolves' Premier League squad depth gives them a structural quality edge in a second-tier environment.
- 3 wins and 2 draws in available recent meetings underline their ability to grind out results consistently.
Preston North End face a steep challenge at 4.20, having opened with a 2-1 defeat to promoted Bolton and missing key figures including Gibson (suspension), Potts, and Carroll, leaving Heckingbottom short of options across the pitch.
- Preston have conceded in 17 consecutive matches, including 2 goals against newly promoted Bolton.
- Only 10 shots and 45% possession on Matchday 1 exposes a lack of attacking threat against quality sides.
- Absences of Gibson, Potts, and Carroll leave Preston weakened in midfield and defense simultaneously.
Key point: With both defenses fragile and Wolves' own backline stretched by injuries, the double chance covering draw or Wolves win at 1.83 offers the most balanced coverage of likely outcomes.
Form & Statistics: Preston North End vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
Preston North End
Recent form
Season statistics (2)
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Recent form
Season statistics (5)
Lineups: Preston North End vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
Preston North End
Starters
- 1 Daniel Iversen
- 2 Pol Valentin
- 3 Jordan Storey
- 4 Liam Lindsay
- 5 Andrija Vukcevic
- 6 Jordan Thompson
- 7 Alistair McCann
- 8 Alfie Devine
- 9 Delano Burgzorg
- 10 Jusef Erabi
Bench
- Andrew Hughes
- Milutin Osmajic
- Léo Leroy
- Harry Clarke
Absent
- Callum Lang (injury)
- Jamal Piaras Lewis (injury)
- Theo Carroll (injury)
- Lewis Gibson (Red card suspension (EFL Cup))
- Brad Potts (Injury (in recovery room))
- Carroll (Injury (in recovery room))
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Starters
- 1 Daniel Bentley
- 2 Jackson Tchatchoua
- 3 Nasser Djiga
- 4 Toti Gomes
- 5 Hugo Bueno
- 6 André Trindade
- 7 Marshall Munetsi
- 8 Rodrigo Gomes
- 9 Fer López
- 10 Matheus Mane
- 11 Raul Jimenez
Bench
- Adam Armstrong
- Santiago Bueno
- Jordan James
- David Moller Wolfe
Absent
- Sam Johnstone (injury)
- Sasa Kalajdzic (injury)
- Enso González (injury)
- Mario Lemina (injury)
- Kieran Trippier (Left MCL injury (4-6 weeks))
- Yerson Mosquera (High ankle injury (in boot for weeks, then off training for weeks; reports vary from 6-8 weeks to 4-5 months with MCL/ACL involvement))
- Jean-Ricner Bellegarde (Left hamstring injury (few more weeks until rejoining main squad))
- Said (MCL injury (at least two months))
Medium confidence
Both sides line up in a 4-2-3-1, setting the stage for a tactically mirrored contest at Deepdale. Preston's double pivot of Jordan Thompson and Alistair McCann will look to win the midfield battle against Wolves' André Trindade and Marshall Munetsi, with control of that central zone likely to dictate the tempo.
Raul Jimenez leads the Wolves attack as the focal point, while Delano Burgzorg carries Preston's primary creative threat in behind the striker. Wolves' lineup carries the backing of four credible sources, giving their probable XI marginally stronger confidence than Preston's, though both selections are well corroborated ahead of Saturday's kickoff.
Our Verdict
The draw or away double chance represents the strongest angle here. Preston opened with defeat at Bolton and sit 17th, while Wolves, despite drawing with Blackburn, demonstrated their attacking pedigree by averaging high possession and shot volume. The away win at 1.83 offers genuine value given Wolves' superior squad depth, though their defensive injuries introduce enough uncertainty to warrant covering the draw at 3.75 as well. Under 2.5 goals at 2.00 also appeals; Preston's lack of cutting edge suggests a tight, low-scoring affair. Odds correct at time of publication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bet for Preston North End vs Wolverhampton Wanderers?
The double chance covering a draw or a Wolves victory is the standout selection here, with the away side available at 1.83. Wolves carry clear quality advantages, averaging 18 shots in their opening fixture, and their Premier League pedigree tells. Preston have conceded in 17 consecutive matches, making it difficult to oppose Wanderers despite their own defensive injury concerns.
What time does Preston North End vs Wolverhampton Wanderers kick off?
This Championship fixture kicks off at 14:00 UTC on Saturday, 22nd August 2026, which corresponds to 15:00 BST for supporters in the United Kingdom. The match takes place at Deepdale, Preston North End's home ground in Preston, Lancashire, with both sides eager to register their first three points of the new Championship season.
Where can I watch Preston North End vs Wolverhampton Wanderers on TV?
Broadcast arrangements for this Championship fixture have not been confirmed in our preview data. We would advise supporters to check the official EFL website, as well as Sky Sports and other affiliated broadcast partners, for the most up-to-date television and streaming listings ahead of the 15:00 BST kickoff on 22nd August.
What is Preston North End's recent record against Wolverhampton Wanderers?
Reliable recent head-to-head data between Preston North End and Wolverhampton Wanderers is not available within our current records, given the significant gap in divisions the two clubs have occupied in recent seasons. Supporters seeking a full breakdown of previous meetings are encouraged to consult the official EFL or club records for historical fixture detail.