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

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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.

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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.

Team News

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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

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.

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