Preston vs Wolves prediction: Old Gold set for away win
In this Preston Wolves clash, Wolverhampton Wanderers are tipped to beat Preston North End away at Deepdale on Saturday, 22 August 2026, with multiple previews backing an Old Gold win despite Wolves needing a late penalty to draw with Blackburn. Analysts forecast a 1-2 scoreline as Preston's leaky defence meets Wolves' Premier League-quality attack.
Key Takeaways
- LiveScore and ToffeeWeb both pick Wolves to win, with a Preston 1-2 scoreline the headline forecast.
- Preston have conceded in 17 straight matches and lost their opener 2-1 at Bolton.
- Wolves miss Kieran Trippier and Yerson Mosquera, but Nasser Djiga's 1.62 interceptions per 90 make a strong case to start.
- Opta gives Wolves a 52.3% win probability versus Preston's 23.1%.
- Raul Jimenez, who scored from the spot against Blackburn, is a popular anytime goalscorer pick.
Why are Preston vs Wolves predictions favoring an away win?
Wolves head to Deepdale on Matchday 2 of the Championship after a season opener that did not go to plan. The Old Gold needed an injury-time penalty from Raul Jimenez to rescue a 2-2 draw with Blackburn at Molineux, yet preview writers still see quality shining through against a Preston side that lost 2-1 at newly promoted Bolton.
ToffeeWeb lists Wolves to win at 1.90 as its primary pick, citing a significant squad gap between the recently relegated visitors and Paul Heckingbottom's struggling North End. Preston sit 17th after one game, with just three wins in their last 17 matches across all competitions and a defence that has conceded in 17 consecutive outings.
Can Preston's defence hold up against Wolves' attack?
The numbers paint a bleak picture for the hosts. Preston have shipped at least two goals in each of their last five Championship outings, while Wolves carry serious firepower through Jimenez and Adam Armstrong. LiveScore notes Preston have found the net in both games this season but failed to keep a clean sheet, and Wolves conceded twice against Blackburn, making both teams to score a popular angle alongside the away win.
Preston's Lewis Gibson returns from suspension after missing the Bolton defeat, and summer signing Harry Clarke could start at the back. Brad Potts remains sidelined. Even with reinforcements, containing Wolves will be a stern test for a back line that has leaked goals consistently.
Who is missing for Wolves at Deepdale?
Injuries have thinned Cesar Peixoto's options. Kieran Trippier picked up a knee problem against Blackburn and Yerson Mosquera injured his ankle in the same fixture, leaving both unavailable. Rafiki Said and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde are also out, though goalkeeper Sam Johnstone is nearing a return to full fitness. Jose Sa remains the confirmed first-choice keeper.
Yahoo Sports UK highlights Nasser Djiga as the logical replacement for Mosquera. The 23-year-old averaged 1.62 interceptions, 1.52 tackles and 4.71 duels won at a 65% success rate per 90 minutes during his Rangers loan last season, according to Fotmob data cited on 20 August. ToffeeWeb's probable lineup already slots Djiga into the back four alongside Toti Gomes.
What do the stats say about this Preston Wolves fixture?
History offers Preston a sliver of hope. The last four meetings between these sides at Deepdale have ended in draws, and North End have lost only two of their last 11 games against teams relegated from the Premier League. Preston have not beaten Wolves at home since a 2-1 win in March 2008.
Yet Wolves' broader form and Opta's modelling lean heavily toward the visitors. Opta on 20 August gave Wolves a 52.3% chance of taking three points compared with Preston's 23.1%. Jimenez has scored in both of his home league debuts for Wolves, netting against Blackburn last Friday and Everton back in August 2018. LiveScore's recommended bet combines a Wolves win, both teams to score and Jimenez anytime goalscorer.
Kickoff is set for 15:00 on Saturday at Deepdale. For more offbeat sports angles, browse our Bizarre News & Florida Man hub. Full preview details are available via LiveScore.