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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 Utd22155232112148
2Leeds UnitedLeeds22136341152645
3Burnley2212822891944
4Sunderland22127334181643
5Blackburn RoversBlackburn2111462518737
6Middlesbrough22105738281035
7West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom22811326161035
8Watford2110473028234
9Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds229582830-232
10Millwall217772118328
11Swansea CitySwansea227692424027
12Bristol City226972628-227
13Norwich CityNorwich226883734326
14Queens Park RangersQPR2251072328-525
15Luton TownLuton2274112538-1325
16Derby CountyDerby2266102728-124
17Coventry CityCoventry2266102834-624
18Preston North EndPreston2241172229-723
19Stoke CityStoke2257102330-722
20Portsmouth204882535-1020
21Hull City2247112131-1019
22Cardiff CityCardiff2146111934-1518
23Oxford UnitedOxford Utd2146112137-1618
24Plymouth ArgylePlymouth2146112245-2318


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