Preston North End face a huge run-in in the Sky Bet Championship, with Alex Neil’s side firmly in contention for the play-offs.

The Championship returns this weekend following last week’s international break, with Preston looking to push on when they face Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough.

The Lilywhites are entering the weekend’s round of fixtures in eighth, but find themselves in a strong position with eight fixtures of the season remaining, as just two points separate them from the play-offs.

This weekend’s opponents, Sheffield Wednesday, would’ve expected to find themselves in promotion contention this season, but are instead sat 17th and drifting towards a mid-table finish in the Championship.

Despite their disappointing league position, Wednesday still have some talented players at their disposal and could damage Preston’s play-off chance this weekend at Hillsborough.

With that in mind, we take a look at both sets of players and select a combined XI from Sheffield Wednesday and Preston…

Wildsmith has done well deputising for Keiren Westwood at Sheffield Wednesday this season and is more than deserving of a role in this side.

Hunt provides plenty going forward for the Owls and is also sound defensively.

Lees has missed a lot of this season through injury, but since his return, there has been an improvement in Wednesday’s performances.

Huntington has captained Preston and has really impressed at Deepdale, as Neil’s side go in search of the top-six.

The 19-year-old has deputised for Greg Cunningham a lot at Preston this season, with some of his performances exceptional on the left side of defence.

Pearson has been a real enforcer for Preston in midfield this season, impressing in their push for the play-offs.

Like many at Hillsborough, Bannan is just back from injury and has been sorely missed.

He will be looking to show his quality between now and the end of the season.

Barkhuizen continues to impress for Preston this season, with eight goals contributed in the Championship.

Forestieri has hardly featured for Wednesday this season, but he is edging closer to a return, which will be a huge boost for the Owls.

Jos Luhukay might not risk the Italian this weekend against Preston, but his near return makes him hard to leave out of this XI.

Reach has been Sheffield Wednesday’s utility man this season, featuring all over the park.

The left side of midfield is where he has really impressed.

Maguire has nine goals to his name for Preston so far this season, including five already in March.

The striker gets in ahead of Atdhe Nuhiu.