Preston North End manager Alex Neil has revealed several first team places are up for grabs amidst several injuries and suspensions at Deepdale.

The Lilywhites host Reading this weekend with the Championship resuming after a two-week break for to the autumn internationals.

Neil will be without a handful of first-team players this weekend with Ben Pearson and Ryan Ledson both out through suspension.

Calum Woods, Sean Maguire and Billy Bodin are all out through injury, the North End boss has revealed.

On top of those five absentees, Alan Browne is to be assessed ahead of the weekend after picking up a calf injury while on International duty.

Paul Gallagher, Daniel Johnson and Josh Harrop could all be in the team to host Paul Clement’s men.

With a plethora of players out, now is the chance for fringe players to take their opportunity by the horns.

Something Neil has echoed when speaking to Preston’s official site ahead of the fixture.

He said: “I think this will be an ideal opportunity for a lot of the lads who are playing to show what they can do and it's a crucial game for us as well in terms of hopefully getting three points on the board.

“It's really up to those lads to go an show what they can do, and for them to show 'I am the guy to get the job done and I am what the solution is’.”

The Verdict

Preston North End look depleted ahead of this weekend’s clash.

Alex Neil tends to pride himself on his squad’s continuity and understanding from his players.

That could be under threat with at least six players out so this could be a good weekend for Reading to get their first win of the season.

Neil, however, is expecting those who come into the side to fight for their place and earn the right to remain in the team for the midweek round of games.

So it could be a potentiality dangerous time to be playing North End.

It looks set up to be an intriguing clash at Deepdale this weekend.