Swansea City : Preston highlighted as the game to prove a few points
Sunday, 22nd Feb 2026 12:15 by Olle Söderholm

On Tuesday, the Swans will host Preston North End in a crucial game to keep the play-off dream alive. Matos looks to continue his side’s incredible home form, in a game that reminds me a lot of the Derby fixture.

Paul Heckingbottom has been in charge of the Lilywhites since 2024, averaging 1.26 points per game during his entire spell. Last season, Preston finished 20th with 50 points. Despite this they stuck with Heckingbottom, and they have improved this season. They now sit [10th], their hopes of the play-offs very much alive and within reach. Not dissimilar to Bristol City yesterday.

This fixture is very reminiscent of the one against Derby last Saturday. Both Preston and Derby have some of the lowest average possession in the league, with Preston sitting in 21st place. They both have an above average shot conversion rate, and they both are seemingly overperforming when it comes to xG for and xG against. xG does not showcase actual chance creation or how well you play offensively, but it does showcase the quality...