KURT Nogan could yet prove to be the man to unlock North End's potential for the season.

Despite sustaining a knock against Chesterfield at the weekend, last season's top goal-scorer, rumoured to be out of favour at Deepdale, looks set to line up against his old club when they arrive on Saturday.

Nogan scored in all three encounters with the Turf Moor outfit last season, including a spectacular televised winner in March, and manager David Moyes will be hoping Nogan can produce more of the same this weekend.

According to statistics, North End are among the worst in the division for creating chances, although they are scoring goals with the chances they get.

But now is the time for Nogan to prove his worth - at hit the back of the net this weekend against Burnley.

Against all expectations, it is Burnley who are near the top of the table and Preston who are languishing further down, something which will hopefully be rectified this weekend.

Both Nogan and Basham are expected to play despite picking up knocks recently - and their performances this weekend could go a long to deciding who sits up front as first choice for the rest of the season.

Meanwhile, Moyes has publicly asked his players to prove that last season wasn't just a fluke following a devastating run of results, which has seen them pick up just two points from the last four games. He has now thrown down the gauntlet, asking them to prove him wrong - and prove to the world they are a force to be reckoned with.

Moyes gave his team a verbal lashing after they threw away a two goal lead at Reading, and they endured more of the same following Saturday's hammering by Chesterfield.

He said: "It is up to them to prove to us all that they did not over achieve last season.

"Sides who get promoted don't lose two at home like we have. In fact, they probably don't lose two games at home all season. Perhaps they overachieved last season. It is up to them to prove me wrong."

Sean Gregan once again misses this weekend's game as his suspension continues, probably resulting in Rob Edwards resuming a midfield role with Mark Rankine, who has been playing out of his skin lately, amazing the crowds.

Dominic Ludden, fingers crossed, should also be fit for a with not only promotion hopes at stake, but also pride.

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