[long_read]

Alex Neil’s Preston North End are in dreamland following yet another victory on Saturday afternoon - with their hopes of a play-off finish still very much alive.

The Scottish manager came under major scrutiny when his side started the season off in dismal fashion, winning just one of their opening 11 league games.

But fast forward almost six months, and the Lancashire club are unstoppable - Neil’s men put fellow promotion rivals Birmingham City to the sword at the weekend, thanks to a late Sean Maguire strike.

The victory at Deepdale was their third win in a week, and after going 12 league games unbeaten, they are up to 7th in the Sky Bet Championship table.

With the play-offs a major possibility for Neil’s men, here, we take a look at why Preston can certainly force their way into the top six...

[snack_break title="Winnable set of games left to play"]

Alex Neil’s men have some very winnable games left to play, with the likes of Ipswich Town yet to travel to Deepdale.

A trip to an out of sorts Reading is also on the horizon for Preston, and you’ve got to fancy their chances of picking up points in quick succession.

[snack_break title="They thrive on being underdogs"]

When you look at the money Preston have spent compared to their current league rivals, you have to take your hat off to Alex Neil.

His side play against the likes of West Brom and Leeds over the next two weeks, and they will have nothing to fear when they play these teams.

They have also turned Deepdale into a fortress which is bound to help the Lilywhites defeat impressive opposition and keep on pushing for the Premier League.

[snack_break title="They have goals coming from every area of the pitch"]

One aspect that is helping North End flourish, and will continue to do so for the remainder of the season, is that they look a threat in every area of the pitch.

If it’s not Sean Maguire scoring, it’s Alan Browne, and when it’s not him, there always someone else finding the back of the net.

The players are thriving in Neil’s system and it is showing.

[/long_read]