Preston North End kicked off 2024 with a 2-0 defeat at Sunderland.
Here are our talking points from the clash.
5. The 4-1-4-1 shape
When asked if Lowe plans to persist with the recent shape, he said post-match: "We will have a look at it. And it depends what team you are coming up against. You look at their wingers today and I thought Pottsy was fantastic in dealing with Jack Clarke - even then he still has good moments. We do it where we think we can get more bodies up the pitch. And it allows us to, with the three attackers - two off the wing and one down the middle, with one of the eights joining in at times. So, you are probably getting more bodies up the pitch, but we are not utilising it enough. But, 3-5-2 sometimes, when teams are playing two tens and you've only got one four. The formations always have to change for the opposition at times and where we think we can hurt teams. So, we will continue to have a look at that yeah."
6. Jack Whatmough absence
The centre-back was forced off in the second half of the Sheffield Wednesday defeat with a sore knee and did not make the squad at the Stadium of Light. On his absence, Lowe said post-match: "He's had a scan, so we are just waiting for the results. But, he will probably be out for a few weeks yeah."
7. The boss
Ryan Lowe was dejected again post-match, with enthusiasm seemingly as low as it has been. North End surprised everyone by picking up a brilliant win against Leeds on Boxing Day, but the form is not improving - with it 16 points from a possible 56 now. It was no surprise to see fans enraged by Lowe's comment regarding Bristol City being the main focus - and this weekend's FA Cup clash at Chelsea being 'the least' of Lowe's worries. PNE dropped to 14th with the loss at Sunderland. Time will ultimately tell how long the support from those at the top remains.