This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...
Preston North End's solid start to the season continues with the Lilywhites up to fifth in the Championship following a weekend home win over Brentford, a result that makes Alex Neil's side unbeaten in five outings in all competitions.
Preston are now just three points off top-spot in the Championship and with a home draw in the third round of the Carabao Cup against Manchester City also to come, Lilywhites fans have plenty to be happy about.
So is this the year Preston make it into the top six?
We discuss........
Chris Gallagher
"They've got every chance.
"Alex Neil has built a really settled squad at Deepdale and I thought they would be in the mix last season but injuries meant they had too much to do after Christmas.
"They have a young, hungry squad, a real togetherness and a manager who is proven at this level.
"I'd be concerned as to whether they have a prolific striker to decide tighter games as the season progresses but they are hard to beat and play with energy.
"Of course, there are probably 15 teams who feel they can finish in the top six, so it's not going to be easy but North End have a real chance."
George Brooks
"It could be. Preston are a good side and they've always been difficult to beat at this level.
"Alex Neil is an experienced manager and he's been building something special at Deepdale over the past few seasons.
"Even though they lost Callum Robinson to Sheffield United in the summer, they've still got some very good players in their squad.
"The Championship is an unforgiving league, so it will be tough for them, but they're certainly plenty of positives for Neil to take from his side's start to the season.
"I think it's still a bit too early to be talking about who will finish in the top six, but Preston can be considered dark horses for the play-offs in my opinion."
Josh Cole
“Following a dramatic turnaround at Preston last season, which saw them secure a 14th place finish in the Championship after an horrendous start to the year, things are currently looking bright for Alex Neil’s side.
“Currently fifth in the second-tier standings, there is no reason why the Lilywhites cannot launch a real push for a top-six finish over the coming months.
“With the likes of Daniel Johnson, Sean Maguire and Tom Barkhuizen all illustrating real signs of promise in recent weeks, Preston could be about to deliver a memorable season for their fans.
“If they do end up sealing a play-off place, they will have every chance of bringing their 59-year wait for top-flight football to an end in 2020.”