Paul Heckingbottom says Preston North End's difficult start to the Championship season has caught him off guard, but the head coach remains adamant that the underlying trend is pointing upward ahead of Saturday's home fixture against Lincoln City at Deepdale (15:00 BST).

Bottom of the table but believing in the process

Preston head into the weekend bottom of the second tier, having won just one of their opening six league matches, with five defeats already on the board. A morale-boosting Lancashire derby victory over Blackburn last weekend briefly lifted the mood at Deepdale, only for the Lilywhites to surrender a lead and fall to a 2-1 defeat at Watford on Tuesday evening.

The numbers from that midweek trip to Vicarage Road underline Heckingbottom's argument. According to the BBC, Preston generated 2.44 expected goals (xG) to Watford's 1.26, suggesting the result was a poor reflection of the performance. For the manager, that kind of evidence matters.

"I knew at the start it was going to be difficult but we've gradually got better each game," Heckingbottom told BBC Radio Lancashire. "I can't say we're not frustrated, all of us are, but likewise you can't say that you've watched the games and not seen improvements every week and we should have had more points."

He was, however, quick to acknowledge that statistics and performances only take a side so far. "It's shoulda, woulda, coulda. You get what you deserve ultimately, regardless of the level of performance."

Collective responsibility and an attacking identity

Heckingbottom was pointed in his view on where goals need to come from. Rather than placing the burden squarely on his forwards, the 49-year-old stressed that scoring is a whole-team obligation, with runners from deeper positions and wide areas all expected to contribute.

Crucially, he made clear he has no intention of abandoning his attacking principles to chase defensive solidity alone. "There's no way I'm going to park everyone in our box to try and keep a clean sheet," he said. "You have to attack together, you've got to defend together and that'll never change."

That philosophy will be tested again on Saturday when newly promoted Lincoln City arrive at Deepdale. Lincoln, who came up to the Championship this summer, represent a different kind of challenge to recent opponents, and Heckingbottom will be looking for his side to back up their improved xG numbers with a result that actually shows on the scoreboard.

Team news: Vukcevic set to be fit, McCann out for months

On the injury front, there is cautious good news regarding defender Andrija Vukcevic, who went off during the Watford defeat but is understood to be in contention for a return against Lincoln. Midfielder Brad Potts, who missed the opening weeks of the season with injury, has also returned to training and could push for involvement.

The significant absentee remains skipper Ali McCann. The Northern Ireland international has undergone surgery on a hamstring injury and is expected to be sidelined for several months, depriving Preston of one of their most important midfield presences during a period when results are badly needed.

With the gap between Preston's performances and their points tally already a talking point in Lancashire, Saturday's clash with Lincoln offers Heckingbottom's side an opportunity to start converting promising numbers into concrete Championship points. A home crowd at Deepdale will be hoping the wait for a second league win of the season does not go on much longer.

Frequently asked

Why are Preston bottom of the Championship?
Preston have won just one of their first six Championship matches, losing five, which leaves them at the foot of the table. Manager Paul Heckingbottom says performances have improved week on week but the results have not yet reflected the chances being created.
How long is Ali McCann out for Preston?
Captain Ali McCann is expected to miss several months after undergoing surgery on a hamstring injury, ruling him out of a significant portion of Preston's Championship campaign.
When do Preston play Lincoln City?
Preston North End host Lincoln City at Deepdale on Saturday at 15:00 BST in the Championship.