**Preston's in freefall and Huddersfield's got momentum — this Carabao Cup opener at Goodison Park could tell us everything about who's ready for a real season.** 🔴

Preston has lost five straight, and it's brutal. Huddersfield, meanwhile, picked up two wins in their last run and look sharper going in. The form gap is massive here.

Key storylines:

- **Huddersfield's attacking edge**: **J. Taylor** and **A. Fletcher** have been involved in some tidy finishes; Preston's back line (**D. Iversen**, **L. Lindsay**, **A. Hughes**) will be tested early.
- **Preston's desperation play**: When you've lost five on the bounce, there's nowhere to hide — **M. Osmajić** and **J. Erabi** need to spark something in attack.
- **Neutral ground vibes**: Goodison Park shouldn't favor either side, but Huddersfield's rhythm is real right now.

Expected lineups:

- **Preston North End**: D. Iversen, L. Lindsay, A. Hughes, A. Vukčević, J. Storey, O. Offiah, A. Devine, J. Thompson, B. Potts, M. Osmajić, J. Erabi
- **Huddersfield Town**: N. Tzanev, M. Wallace, S. Roughan, L. Sørensen, R. Balker, M. Harness, R. Ledson, B. Mumba, G. Sebine, A. Fletcher, J. Taylor

Prediction:

**Huddersfield 2-0 Preston.** Huddersfield's form gives them a clear edge; Preston's drought continues. 📍