Deepdale sees the fourth consecutive Championship season open with a visit of Queens Park Rangers, now led into a brave new era by former England boss Steve McClaren.

Whilst a new season always brings hope of improved fortunes, neither side are tipped to be amongst the front runners this campaign, although after their seventh-place finish Preston might feel they're a good outside bet for a top ten spot again this season.

QPR, fresh from being hit by the FFP fine, will be hoping their collection of young players will have enough between them to push them a little higher than Ian Holloway managed last time around. Neither side have splashed millions this summer, both will be hoping to create a team far greater than the sum of it's parts.

What are the main talking points ahead of the opening match? FLW looks at four things fans will be discussing up to 3pm this Saturday.

Ebere Eze, Ryan Manning, Paul Smyth and Osman Kakay, all are under 23 and could play a big role for McClaren, if they get a chance. Just how much will he rely on the younger players though?

Much will be gleaned from his starting line up and it could go a long way to suggesting exactly how much emphasis he puts on the exciting young players, or if he's wanting more experience in the side.

The former Aston Villa trainee has been one of the bigger moves Preston have made in the summer, which indicates exactly how much Alex Neill is hoping consistency is king in the north west.

Burke struggled for goals at Notts County eighteen months ago, but 18 in 46 at shamrock convinced Neill he was worth a shot in the Championship. They struggled in front of goal towards the end of last season and if the 24-year old starts this Saturday it represents a huge leap of faith by the manager.

Toni Leistner isn't a household name here, but the 27-year old is one player very much under the microscope at QPR. Nedum Onuoha is much better known, but the German has to replace Onuoha in the heart of the Rangers defence.

He's likely to feature alongside 30-year old Joel Lynch, but can the new look defence pick up where the previous one left off? An opening day clash with Preston might not tell us too much, but an early clean sheet would do the fledgling pairing the world of good.

Luongo is the golden boy of Loftus Road, their most saleable asset but arguably the most accomplished footballer wearing Hoops this season.

His clash with Ben Pearson in the middle of the park will be intriguing to say the least. The 23-year old former Manchester United man is a driving force behind Preston's spell in the Championship, but he'll need to ensure the slick Australian doesn't get too much time and space on the ball.

With a lack of true quality up top for either side, this battle could be the one which decides the game.