The phrase "a preference to play" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a choice or inclination towards engaging in a particular activity, in this case, playing.
Example: "She has a preference to play soccer over basketball during her free time."
Alternatives: "a tendency to play" or "a liking for playing".
Other times, he spoke of a preference to play for a defensive-minded team.
Kawhi Leonard, who has expressed a preference to play with the Lakers, could be a step toward that.
Machado had expressed a preference to play shortstop in his dealings with prospective teams but probably will be a third baseman in San Diego.
The inclusion of Ballance in the squad last Thursday caught most observers by surprise, not least because the England head coach, Trevor Bayliss, had hinted at a preference to play Ben Stokes as a specialist batsman in place of the dropped Nick Compton, despite the all-rounder having not bowled since undergoing knee surgery at the end of May.
He expressed a preference to play for the Buccaneers.
Santana has a full no-trade clause and has a strong preference to play for the Yankees, the Mets or the Red Sox, who may be the only teams that can afford to make him the first pitcher to earn $20 million a season on a multiyear deal.
Of the 21 possible prediction types that were identified, 8 configurations predicted the preference to play an active role in treatment decisions, 4 configurations predicted the desire to play a collaborative role, and 9 configurations predicted the desire to play a passive role.
Modric was surprisingly clear in expressing his preference to play as a central midfielder on Monday and the following day Mourinho was adamant that the Croat was not bought on a whim.
Rooney, who has scored eight times in his last eight games for club and country, has spoken in the past about his preference to play as a striker.
Expect a considerably more open game due to Sherwood's preference to play 4-4-2, with Roberto Soldand and Emmanuel Adebayor as his front pair.
"If he is now asserting his preference to play college football, he cannot show he has been injured by the N.F.L. rule," Roberts said in a telephone interview.
