Preston North End prepares to host Southampton in a highly anticipated Championship season finale this Saturday at 12:30 BST. This pivotal match will determine Southampton's final play-off position, while Preston aims to conclude their campaign on a high note, despite settling into a familiar mid-table spot.

Southampton arrives at Deepdale with an impressive 18-game unbeaten run in the league. However, a late equaliser from Ipswich at St Mary's means the Saints can now only secure a finish between third and fifth place. Their exact play-off seeding will depend on the outcomes of matches involving Millwall and Middlesbrough on the final day.

For Preston North End, the season has seen them firmly in the play-off picture until the final third. Now sitting 12th after a recent 3-2 victory at Sheffield United, the club is on course for a familiar mid-table finish. They will be looking to cap off their campaign with a strong performance against a promotion-chasing opponent.

Historically, Preston North End could achieve a rare feat, completing their fourth-ever league double over Southampton, having already secured a 2-0 victory in November. Previous doubles occurred in the 1933-34, 1963-64, and 2007-08 seasons. Despite this, Southampton has a challenging record at Deepdale, winning only one of their past eleven league visits (D5 L5), though they remain unbeaten in their last two encounters there (W1 D1).

Looking at final league game performances, Preston has a mixed record, winning only three of their past fourteen season finales (D4 L7). Their most recent final day victory was a 4-1 triumph against Middlesbrough in the 2021-22 season. In contrast, Southampton boasts a strong record in their final league games outside of the Premier League, winning seven of their past eight, with the sole loss being a 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest in 2008-09.

Southampton's recent away form has been formidable, securing six wins from their past seven away league games, including victories in their last three on the road. The Saints will be aiming to extend this impressive streak to four consecutive away wins, a feat they haven't achieved since January 2020, as they push for the best possible play-off seeding.