Preston vs Sheffield United Preview, Prediction, Lineups and Team News | Championship

Preview

• Date – Friday, August 09, 2024
• Kick-off Time – 08:00 pm GMT
• Venue – Deepdale

Preston North End will lock horns with Sheffield United in their opening game of the 2024/25 EFL Championship season at Deepdale. The Blades will be gearing for their life back to the Championship and would like to get the season-opener underway with a win against the Lilywhites.

Hosts Preston North End flirted with the possibility of playoffs last season and were in the race for a long time. But unfortunately, they finished 10 points behind the play-off spots and are currently on a five-game losing streak in the Championship.

Following their disastrous campaign in the Premier League, where they conceded a whopping 104 goals, Sheffield United are now back in the Championship for the fifth time in the last eight seasons. They have strengthened their squad with a few significant acquisitions across their team.

Team News

Preston Team News

Preston will have their first-choice goalkeeper Freddie Woodman fit to feature in their opening fixture of the Championship season. Summer signings Stefan Teitur Thordarson, Sam Greenwood and Kaine Kesler-Hayden are all in contention to make their debut for The Lilywhites.

Sheffield United Team News

On the other hand, Sheffield United will be without new signing Jamie Shackleton who sustained a knee injury in the pre-season. Another notable signing Kieffer Moore has suffered a knock, whereas Sam McCallum is a huge doubt with his hamstring injury. Former Coventry City star Callum O’Hare is in line to make his debut for the Blades.

Predicted Lineups

Preston Predicted Lineup:

Woodman; Whatmough, Lindsay, Hughes; Potts, Whiteman, Ledson, Brady; Greenwood, Riis; Keane

Sheffield United Predicted Lineup:

Grbic; Seriki, Ahmedhodzic, Souttar, Burrows; Souza, Arblaster; Brooks, O’Hare, Hamer; Brewster

Head-to-Head

Sheffield United have the upper hand in terms of the head-to-head between the two sides, having won 54 of their 122 previous meetings. Preston have won 36 matches while the remaining 32 games have ended in a draw.

The Blades have registered three wins in their last five meetings, drawing two in the process.

Last five results:

Sheffield United 4-1 Preston – League Championship – April 29, 2023
Preston 0-2 Sheffield United – League Championship – September 17, 2022
Preston 2-2 Sheffield United – League Championship – January 18, 2022
Sheffield United 2-2 Preston – League Championship – September 14, 2021
Preston 0-1 Sheffield United – League Championship – April 06, 2019

Preston vs Sheffield United Prediction

The hosts finished 10th and were inconsistent last season as they managed only 11 wins in their 23 home matches. They sustained a 3-0 loss against Premier League side Everton earlier this month. They were just outside of the playoff spots in the latter stages of the 2023/24 season and manager Ryan Lowe has faced some tough times over the past 12 months.

Meanwhile, Sheffield United suffered humiliation following their demotion to the Championship after their relegation from the Premier League last season. The visitors witnessed an unbeaten run in the pre-season and are ready for their fifth second-tier campaign in the last eight years. They will look to get the campaign underway with a win due to their dominating record against the hosts.

Predicted Score: Preston 0-2 Sheffield United

Betting tips and Odds (subject to change)

• Preston win – 3.00
• Sheffield United win – 2.35
• Draw – 3.25
• Odds source – Unibet
  
  

Where to Watch Preston vs Sheffield United Live?

Q. Where to watch Preston vs Sheffield United live in India?

The Preston vs Sheffield United game will be televised on Sony Network/SonyLiv.

Q. Where to watch Preston vs Sheffield United live game in UK?

The game between Preston vs Sheffield United will be live on ITVX in UK.

Q. Where to watch Preston vs Sheffield United in USA?

The match between Preston vs Sheffield United will be available on the ESPN+ESPN App.

Q. Where to watch Preston vs Sheffield United game in Portugal?

The Portugal vs Finland will be live on Sport TV2 for Portugal fans.

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