Bury v Preston preview
Bury manager Kevin Blackwell has no new injury worries to contend with.
Northern Ireland striker David Healy is pushing for a start having made his return from a calf injury as a late substitute in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Crewe.
Defender Ethan Ebanks-Landell and midfielder Zac Thompson overcame respective shin and hamstring complaints to start against the Railwaymen and are in contention once more having suffered no adverse reaction.
Shane Byrne remains on the sidelines due to illness and the midfielder is joined by striker Andy Bishop (foot), centre-back Adam Lockwood (groin) and long-term victim Phil Picken (knee).
The original northern area quarter-final tie with North End was postponed a fortnight ago when a torrential downpour before kick-off rendered the Gigg Lane pitch unplayable.
Lee Holmes and Stuart Beavon are pushing for places in Preston’s starting line-up.
Winger Holmes and striker Beavon appeared as second-half substitutes during North End’s goalless draw at Portsmouth on Saturday having been restricted to the bench by illness but both players are now back to full fitness.
Chris Robertson will be missing from the Lilywhites’ defence having picked up his fifth booking of the season and a one-match ban at Fratton Park.
Fellow defenders Keith Keane (knee) and Scott Laird (broken leg) are long-term absentees.
Preston’s only win in their last six outings came in the first round of the FA Cup against Gillingham. They have overcome Carlisle and Morecambe in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy this term.