Competition for places looking strong ahead of the big kick-off

Preston North End still have important work to do in the transfer window, but manager Paul Heckingbottom has some healthy competition already.

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The Lilywhites have brought six new players to the club this summer after losing several players from last season's squad.

Heckingbottom has added Daniel Iversen, Pol Valentin, Odel Offiah, Jordan Thompson, Thierry Small and Daniel Jebbison to his ranks.

With the season opener at QPR less than three weeks away, selecting a 'strongest XI' is not the easiest task but here is our punt at PNE's best side and substitutes...

1. GK: Daniel Iversen

He has been signed to be PNE's number one. If he stays fit the Dane should play all 46 games.

2. RCB: Odel Offiah

North End have spent a seven-figure sum on the defender and that isn't to sit on the bench.

3. CB: Lewis Gibson

Will probably flip between CCB and LCB over the course of the season but you would back him to start centrally.