PRESTON will take on Sheffield United at Deepdale on Friday night as both teams get their Championship seasons underway.
Preston got off to a flying start last season and will be keen for a repeat of that this time around. Ryan Lowe will just be looking to ensure that performance levels are more consistent this season after the Lilywhites faded towards the end of the campaign.
Sheffield United are preparing for their first season back in the Championship following relegation from the Premier League last season. The Blades are among the favourites for promotion so a big performance is expected.
How the bookies view it: Sheffield United backed to win
Although they were poor throughout their one-year stay in the Premier League, Sheffield United should not be underestimated here and the bookies clearly agree. The Blades have been priced as the 11/8 favourites to take home the three points on Friday night while a Preston win has been priced at 2/1.
The draw, which wouldn't be an awful result for either side, has been priced at 23/10.
Recent head-to-head: A sorry state of affairs for Preston
Preston have a truly dismal recent record against Sheffield United which won't exactly fill the squad with confidence ahead of the opener on Friday night. Sheffield United are unbeaten in their last six matches against Preston, with the Lilywhites' last victory over the Blades coming back in 2018. Their last home win over them came in 2017.
Players to watch: A chance to see the new boys in action
In terms of incomings, Preston have had a quiet summer but they have still managed to bring in Sam Greenwood on loan from Leeds. The versatile striker has shown flashes of brilliance at Elland Road over the past couple of years and the opportunity to play more regular football could see him come into his own this season.
Sheffield United have been far busier in the transfer market as they look to build a team ready to bounce straight back to the Premier League. Arguably their most exciting summer acquisition, though, is Callum O'Hare who has joined the club on a free transfer after his Coventry contract expired.
O'Hare is one of the most technically gifted players in the Championship and would fit like a glove in the Premier League. At 26, he clearly feels like Sheffield United is his ticket to the big time and it wouldn't surprise anyone if he quickly becomes one of their most important players.
Predicted line-ups
The only injury concern for Preston coming into this one relates to their number one goalkeeper, Freddie Woodman after he pulled out of their most recent pre-season friendly. Sheffield United have more concerns, with doubts lingering around Kieffer Moore and Jamie Shackleton.
Preston: Cornell – Whatmough, Lindsay, Hughes – Potts, Whiteman, Ledson, Brady – Greenwood, Keane, Riis
Sheffield United: Grbic – Seriki, Ahmedhodzic, Souttar, Burrows – Arblaster, Souza – Brooks, O'Hare, Hamer – Brewster
Anything else catch the eye?
Although pre-season isn't exactly a great measuring stick, it's all we have to go on at present particularly when discussing a match between two teams who were playing in different leagues last season. Four out of Preston's six pre-season matches saw 3+ goals scored while the same can be said about four of Sheffield United's five. Over 2.5 goals is priced at 5/6 with Betfred.
This England Championship match between Preston and Sheffield United will be played on Aug 9, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Preston vs Sheffield United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
