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Sheffield United logo
Championship | Gameweek 45
Apr 29, 2023 at 3pm UK
Bramall Lane
Preston North End logo

Sheff Utd
4 - 1
Preston

Ahmedhodzic (36'), Fleck (72'), Ndiaye (75'), McBurnie (90+5')
Ndiaye (76'), McBurnie (90+6')
FT(HT: 1-0)
Delap (63')
Parrott (59')

Preview: Sheffield United vs. Preston North End - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Saturday's Championship clash between Sheffield United and Preston North End, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Sheffield United will mark their promotion earlier this week with another home Championship fixture against Preston North End on Saturday afternoon.

At a time when the Blades are already assured of a top-two spot, Preston are 10th in the standings and realistically require all three points to maintain a playoff push.


Match preview

Sheffield United's Oli McBurnie in action against West Bromwich Albion on April 26, 2023© Reuters

Losing 3-0 to Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals could have proven detrimental to Sheffield United ahead of such an occasion against West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday evening.

Nevertheless, Paul Heckingbottom's side were able to do what was required to get over the line in the automatic promotion race, scoring twice after half time to post a 2-0 victory.

Having extended their recent run in the Championship to six wins in seven matches, the Yorkshire outfit are now guaranteed to finish in second position.

While Heckingbottom will demand that his players retain their focus, Sheffield United can enjoy the run-in with further games to come against Huddersfield Town and Birmingham City on the road.

Sheffield United's home record this season is second only to champions Burnley, Heckingbottom's team collecting 48 points from their 22 fixtures.

Preston North End manager Ryan Lowe reacts on April 1, 2023© Reuters

Three matches ago, a resurgent Preston looked to be favourites to snatch a playoff spot, but North End have completely lost the momentum that they had been able to generate.

A run of 15 points from a possible 18 has been followed by just one coming from three outings, that only through a dramatic late equaliser at home to Blackburn Rovers last time out.

Although ending the season with back-to-back wins could get Ryan Lowe's side over the line, that will be far easier said than done against two of the form teams in the division.

That said, playing host to sixth-placed Sunderland in their final match of the season will play perfectly into their favour if they can upset Sheffield United on Saturday.

Sheffield United Championship form:


Sheffield United form (all competitions):


Preston North End Championship form:


Team News

Sheffield United's Anel Ahmedhodzic celebrates scoring their fifth goal on November 5, 2022© Reuters

Heckingbottom may look at rotate some of his Sheffield United players after their efforts on Wednesday, with Oliver Norwood and John Fleck both in contention for recalls in midfield.

Chris Basham could return to hand a rest to key man Anel Ahmedhodzic, while Billy Sharp and Daniel Jebbison are pushing for an opportunity in the final third.

The rest of the team may stay the same with Heckingbottom expected to respect the hectic playoff race.

Despite the struggles versus Blackburn, Lowe may select the same Preston XI given the level of opposition.

If a change is made, Ryan Ledson could be recalled to strengthen the midfield, with Josh Onomah likely dropping to the substitutes' bench in that situation.

Sheffield United possible starting lineup:
Foderingham; Basham, Egan, Robinson; Baldock, McAtee, Berge, Norwood, Lowe; Sharp, McBurnie

Preston North End possible starting lineup:
Woodman; Storey, Bauer, Hughes; Potts, Onomah, Whiteman, Johnson, Fernandez; Parrott, Cannon


SM words green background

We say: Sheffield United 2-1 Preston North End

Realistically, Sheffield United's preparations will not be of the highest standard for this contest given the celebrations on Wednesday. Nevertheless, they will still want to put on a show for their fans, and we expect the Blades to edge out their faltering opponents.



For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.


Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting under 3.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Under 3.5:data


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Written by
Darren Plant

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Game History

How you voted: Sheff Utd vs Preston

Sheffield United
75.9%
Draw
20.7%
Preston North End
3.4%
29
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Burnley manager Vincent Kompany celebrates after the match on April 10, 2023
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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd20135228111742
2Leeds UnitedLeeds20125336142241
3Burnley2010822471738
4Sunderland20107329151437
5Blackburn RoversBlackburn1910452317634
6West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom2071122314932
7Middlesbrough209473425931
8Watford199462725231
9Swansea CitySwansea207672119227
10Norwich CityNorwich206863530526
11Bristol City206862525026
12Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds207582329-626
13Millwall196762017325
14Preston North EndPreston2041062026-622
15Luton TownLuton2064102335-1222
16Coventry CityCoventry205692529-421
17Derby CountyDerby205692226-421
18Stoke CityStoke205692126-521
19Queens Park RangersQPR204972026-621
20Oxford UnitedOxford Utd194692030-1018
21Portsmouth183872130-917
22Cardiff CityCardiff1945101730-1317
23Plymouth ArgylePlymouth1945101940-2117
24Hull City2037101828-1016


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