Wigan have returned to the Championship after racking up 92 points last season on their way to the League One title, which ended a two-year spell in the third tier of English football.
Leam Richardson helped his side avoid relegation in the 2020-21 campaign in spite of Wigan’s financial issues, and the 42-year-old continued to weave his magic in the dugout last term.
No side scored more goals than the Latics last season, while they also ended their League One title-winning campaign with the joint second-best defensive record in the division.
Having already enjoyed two successful years as Wigan boss, Richardson’s next challenge will be to help his side avoid an immediate return to League One.
Despite being one of three newly-promoted sides, the Latics will believe that they can get off to a positive start after winning the opening game of their last two Championship campaigns.
After recording back-to-back 13th placed finishes, Preston will be aiming for a top-half position under the tutelage of Lowe, who is set to take charge of his first full season.
The former Plymouth Argyle boss took over a side that were four points clear of the relegation zone after 21 games and guided them to a mid-table finish.
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A four-point gap to the drop zone turned to a 27-point cushion by the season end, ensuring that Preston continues in the Championship for an eighth consecutive season.
The Lilywhites have experienced a busy summer ahead of the new campaign, making six new additions to their squad, while as many as 12 players have left Deepdale.
After losing their opening game of the last three seasons, Preston will hope that a meeting with their Lancashire rivals will result in a change in fortunes.
