Alright, PNE fan here, just being nosey.
I very much doubt we will play a weakened team, maybe rotate the keeper and rest a couple who have recently returned from injury but i'd be amazed if we make 'plenty' of changes. We have a young squad, sending them out to get a roasting against Man City wouldn't be too clever.
As for pubs. You have two right outside the station and if you walk down the high street for 5 minutes you've got Hogarths (very cheap), Fishers, Bull & Royal, Twelve Tellers (a massive Wetherspoons), Yates', Wings & Beer plus a few more pubs. Not sure if many of the bars will be open pre-match. There's also the Blue bell a Sam Smith's pub further down.
For ale drinkers, try the Otter's Pocket, the Black Horse (best pub in Preston imo), Guild Ale House, Orchard, Market Tavern & Plugs & Taps.
You've also got Friargate end which is more studenty, Black Bull, Dog & Partirdge, Northern Way, Roper Hall & Adelphi are all decent boozers. Ballers is stupidly cheap. 20 minutes walk or a 5 minute taxi from the centre.
Closer to the ground you've got the Moorbrook, Moor Park & Princess Alice. 10 minute walk.
Avoid Meadow Street, its only 5 minutes from Deepdale and has two pubs which are rough as arseholes, don't think they let away fans in. A kick off wouldn't be unlikely.