Contents
- Competition: England - Championship
- Date: Friday, 9th, August 2024
- Kickoff: 20:00 UK / 21.00 CEST
- Venue: Deepdale (Preston)
Determined to signal their swift comeback to the Premier League, Sheffield United will head to Deepdale to clash with Preston North End in the Championship's season opener on Friday evening.
Friday's contest sees the Lilywhites raise the curtain on their tenth straight campaign in England's second division, where they will aim to finally break into the top six, something they have never achieved since becoming Championship members. Last term, Preston North End were on the verge of the playoffs, but a disastrous finish—losing all of their final five matches without scoring—snuffed out their top-six dreams, leaving them in 10th with ten points off the prized places.
Deepdale faithful will face a tough test in their opening matchday against Sheffield United, a side eager to correct the mistakes of the previous season and secure an immediate return to the top tier of English football. Indeed, the Blades spent last season in the top division amid total chaos, having ammassed a measly 16 points from their 38 matches, marking one of the weakest performances in the Premier League history, not to mention their net was breached an alarming 104 times.
Preston North End vs Sheffield Utd Betting Tips: AH2 (0)
Both sides endured dreadful endings to their campaigns last season, so they are eager to leave that behind and start their ambitious plans in the best way possible, but we think Sheffield United are more likely to succeed in this matchup. The Blades enjoyed a near-perfect record during pre-season, claiming four friendly triumphs on the bounce before being held to a 1-1 draw by Huddersfield in their latest test.
Head coach Chris Wilder will demant his side to send a clear message about their immediate return to the England's top flight, and recent meetings with Preston offering upbeat prospects as SUFC have not tasted defeat in any of the last seven H2Hs (W4 D3). The most recent pair of their Championship clashes took place two years ago, with the Blades emerging victorious on both occasions, thrashing the Lilywhites 2-0 away and 4-1 at Bramall Lane. Based on a strong head-to-head record and an impressive preseason campaign, Chris Wilder’s new tenure is expected to start in style, as his team should possess too much quality for Friday's hosts.
Preston North End vs Sheffield United Head to Head (H2H) stats
-
Sheffield United
4 : 1
Preston North End
Championship
-
Preston North End
0 : 2
Sheffield United
Championship
-
Preston North End
2 : 2
Sheffield United
Championship
-
Sheffield United
2 : 2
Preston North End
Championship
-
Sheffield United
2 : 2
Preston North End
Club Friendlies 1
Preston North End team news
First-choice goalkeeper Freddie Woodman will have to undergo some additional tests ahead of matchday one, having missed the latest friendly against Premier League side Everton, but David Cornell is ready to step in if needed.
Both summer signings, Stefan Teitur Thordarson and Sam Greenwood, are pushing for a start here, but the latter shouldn't worry about his starting spot, as his potential is desperately needed by Preston.
Last matches of Preston North End
-
Preston North End
0 : 3
Everton
Club Friendlies 3
-
Salford City
0 : 2
Preston North End
Club Friendlies 3
-
Preston North End
2 : 1
Fiorentina
Club Friendlies 3
-
Bamber Bridge
0 : 3
Preston North End
Club Friendlies 3
-
Southport
2 : 1
Preston North End
Club Friendlies 3
Preston North End lineup
Goalkeeper
-
1
Freddie Woodman
Defenders
-
16
Andrew Hughes
-
6
Liam Lindsay
-
5
Jack Whatmough
Midfielders
-
11
Robbie Brady
-
18
Ryan Ledson
-
4
Ben Whiteman
-
44
Brad Potts
Forwards
-
9
Emil Riis
-
20
Sam Greenwood
-
7
Will Keane
Sheffield United team news
Meanwhile, Sheffield United have been more active than Preston in the transfer market, but signings like Sam McCallum and Kieffer Moore are doubtful for participation on the first day of the new season, while Jamie Shackleton is guaranteed to stay sidelined after picking up an injury during pre-season.
Having joined on loan from Leicester City, Harry Souttar is expected to be named in the back four, partnering with Anel Ahmedhodzic in central defense.
Last matches of Sheffield United
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Huddersfield Town
1 : 1
Sheffield United
Club Friendlies 3
-
Rotherham United
1 : 2
Sheffield United
Club Friendlies 3
-
Harrogate Town
1 : 4
Sheffield United
Club Friendlies 3
-
Chesterfield
0 : 3
Sheffield United
Club Friendlies 3
-
York City
1 : 2
Sheffield United
Club Friendlies 3
Sheffield United lineup
Goalkeeper
-
13
Ivo Grbic
Defenders
-
14
Harrison Burrows
-
3
Harry Souttar
-
15
Anel Ahmedhodzic
-
38
Femi Seriki
Midfielders
-
4
Oliver Arblaster
-
21
Vini Souza
-
8
Gustavo Hamer
-
10
Callum O'Hare
-
35
Andre Brooks
Forwards
-
7
Rhian Brewster
3 Reasons why we expect AH2 (0)
- Sheffield United are unbeaten in all five of their friendly matches this summer (W4 D1).
- Sheffield United have not been defeated by Preston in seven consecutive meetings (W4 D3).
- The last two head-to-head encounters between these teams ended in victories for the Blades.
Main prediction Preston North End - Sheffield United
AH2 (0)
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