Preston vs Sheffield United Preview & Prediction & Betting Tips

Recent results between the two teams suggest that Sheffield United will be the favourites on the opening day of the league season against Preston North End. The Blades are unbeaten in their previous seven games, with Preston searching for a clean sheet in that time.

This fixture generally lands in the BTTS market, with four of the previous five meetings between the two teams involving scoring for both teams.

Kieffer Moore is expected to contribute significantly to the Blades’ promotion campaign this season. Kieffer Moore scored seven in 14 for Ipswich Town last season, averaging 1.1 shots on target per game.

Both teams hope to avoid any disciplinary issues in the opening game. Liam Lindsay was a frequent offender for Preston North End last season, with 0.9 fouls committed per game. Anel Ahmedhodžić is likely to commit a foul, with the Bosnian averaging 1.1 fouls per game.

We are predicting a 2-1 win for Sheffield United based on their previously excellent record against Preston North End. Preston 1-2 Sheffield United

Sheffield United are back in the Championship once again this season, and the Blades will set their sights on promotion once again. Sheffield United travel to face a Preston North End side, who will potentially look to break into the top half again this season.

Date: 09/08/2024

Location: Deepdale

Kick-Off: 8 pm

Sheffield United suffered the humiliation of relegation last season once again from the Premier League, which also involved a familiar face returning to Bramall Lane. Chris Wilder was brought in to replace the outgoing Paul Heckinbottom last season. However, he could not rescue the sinking ship. Sheffield United finished on 16 points - one of the lowest tallies in Premier League history. Sheffield United became the first team since Leicester City to concede over 100 goals since Leicester City in the 1908/09 season.

The Blades have strengthened their ranks for this season with critical purchases across their team. Kieffer Moore arrives from Bournemouth after impressing on loan at Ipswich Town last season. Harrison Burrows arrived from Peterborough United following his impressive season at the Posh. Burrows made 27 goal contributions as a left-back last season, and his form was rewarded with the SkyBet League One Player of the Year Award.

As for the home side, Preston North End flirted with the possibility of playoffs last season; however, the Lancashire-based side ended up finishing 10th. The top-ten finish could be a progression for Ryan Lowe’s side. Preston finished on 63 points last season with a negative 11-goal differential. Preston North End scored 56 goals and conceded 67. The Lilywhites scored 1.2 goals per game last season, conceding 1.5.

Preston North End has been less active than Sheffield United because of significantly fewer funds available than a newly relegated side from the Premier League. Ryan Lowe has brought in the likes of Stefán Teitur Thórdarson and Sam Greenwood on loan from Leeds United, who will surely provide a great asset with experience in the Premier League.

The game will be shown on Sky Sports +

Preston North End Team News

Will Keane is expected to lead the line, with Sam Greenwood on either side making his Preston North End debut.

Sheffield United Team News

Newly signed Harrison Burrows and Kieffer Moore are expected to start against Preston North End. Callum O’Hare was a free purchase from Coventry City; who is in line for his debut under Chris Wilder.

Preston North End ended the season in terrible form, losing five of their last five Championship fixtures. In three of Preston’s previous five fixtures, they were humbled 3-0. Preston has an unwanted record against the Blades. The away side have been unbeaten in their last seven games, with Preston searching for a clean sheet at that time.

Ryan Lowe’s side has rectified their end-of-season woes, heading into the new campaign. Preston North End have won three of the previous six games, which included an impressive 2-1 win over Italian side AFC Fiorentina. Preston North End ended their pre-season with a disappointing 3-0 loss away at Everton.

Preston North End’s most recent victory in the Championship was back in April when they duly dispatched soon-to-be-relegated Huddersfield Town 4-1—goals from Will Keane and a hat-trick from Milutin Osmajic.

Sheffield United will be eager to improve their domestic form heading into another campaign in the Championship. The Blades ended their Premier League season without a win in 14 league games, with their fate already sealed for most of that run. Sheffield United’s last competitive victory was an impressive 3-1 win over Luton Town when both were in the Premier League in February.

Chris Wilder’s side couldn’t have asked for better preparation heading into the season's first game, having finished pre-season with a near-perfect record. Sheffield United won four of the previous five fixtures, primarily focused on playing teams around the English Leagues.

Sheffield United has been unbeaten in its previous three visits to Deepdale. In the most recent showcase of this fixture at Deepdale, Sheffield United were 2-0 winners. Goals from Iliman Ndiaye and Oliver McBurnie were enough to secure three points on the road to promotion for Sheffield United that season.

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