The EFL is finally back, and the 20th season of the Championship starts on Friday night as Preston North End host Sheffield United in their first game of the 2024-25 campaign. The match is scheduled for 09 August 2024 at 19:00 local time, with Robert Madley from England officiating. This is a highly anticipated clash as both teams will be looking to book at least a playoff slot this season.
Preston, who are gearing up for a 10th Championship season in succession and ended the last campaign in mid-table, while Sheffield United will need to bounce back from relegation after their solitary term as Premier League new boys. Five-figure crowds are already expected at Deepdale, where 23,408 can cram in but how many will actually provide all the atmosphere is another matter for a season that should see both clubs dream again.
BETTING TIPS AND MATCH INSIGHTS
We bring you the form of both sides, h2h stats and more in our research to help guide your betting ahead of this tantalising clash. Using their recent performances as well as head-to-head history, we will go through how both sides have fared in the past.
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Preston North End Results
Preston has had a mixed bag of results in their recent matches. Here’s a closer look at their last five fixtures:
Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
03.08.24 | Friendly | Preston vs Everton | 0-3 | L |
30.07.24 | Friendly | Salford vs Preston | 0-2 | W |
27.07.24 | Friendly | Preston vs Fiorentina | 2-1 | W |
17.07.24 | Friendly | Bamber Bridge vs Preston | 0-3 | W |
16.07.24 | Friendly | Southport vs Preston | 2-1 | L |
Preston’s pre-season form has been relatively strong, with three wins out of five matches, including an impressive victory over Fiorentina. However, their recent defeat to Everton highlights potential vulnerabilities.
Sheffield United Results
Sheffield United has been focusing on rebuilding after a tough season. Here’s a look at their last five matches:
Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
02.08.24 | Friendly | Huddersfield vs Sheffield Utd | 1-1 | D |
27.07.24 | Friendly | Rotherham vs Sheffield Utd | 1-2 | W |
23.07.24 | Friendly | Harrogate vs Sheffield Utd | 1-4 | W |
20.07.24 | Friendly | Chesterfield vs Sheffield Utd | 0-3 | W |
13.07.24 | Friendly | York City vs Sheffield Utd | 1-2 | W |
Sheffield United has shown solid form in pre-season, with four wins and one draw, indicating a strong preparation phase under Chris Wilder.
Preston vs Sheffield United Head-to-Head
Examining the recent head-to-head matches between these teams provides valuable insights:
Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
29.04.23 | Championship | Sheffield Utd vs Preston | 4-1 |
17.09.22 | Championship | Preston vs Sheffield Utd | 0-2 |
18.01.22 | Championship | Preston vs Sheffield Utd | 2-2 |
14.09.21 | Championship | Sheffield Utd vs Preston | 2-2 |
04.09.20 | Friendly | Sheffield Utd vs Preston | 2-2 |
Sheffield United has had the upper hand in recent meetings, with two wins and three draws, showcasing their competitive edge over Preston in the past encounters.
Preston North End Probable Lineup
Here is the predicted starting lineup for Preston North End for their upcoming match against Sheffield United. This lineup provides insights into the tactical setup and key players who might take the field.
Woodman (GK), Whatmough (DF), Lindsay (DF), Hughes (DF), Potts (MF), Whiteman (MF), Ledson (MF), Brady (MF), Greenwood (FW), Riis (FW), Keane (FW)
Sheffield United Probable Lineup
Below is the expected starting lineup for Sheffield United as they prepare to face Preston North End. This lineup highlights the probable formation and players likely to be featured in the match.
Grbic (GK), Seriki (DF), Ahmedhodzic (DF), Souttar (DF), Burrows (DF), Souza (MF), Arblaster (MF), Brooks (MF), O’Hare (MF), Hamer (MF), Brewster (FW)
INJURED AND QUESTIONABLE PLAYERS
Here we list the players who will not be participating in the match due to injuries or other reasons. This information is crucial as the absence of key players can significantly impact the performance of their respective teams.
Team | Player | Reason |
Preston | McCann A. | Thigh Injury |
Sheffield | Davies T. | Knock |
Sheffield | Norrington-Davies R. | Thigh Injury |
By considering these lineups and unavailable players, you can better understand the team compositions and how they might influence the outcome of the match.
Key Factors to Watch
Both teams come into this match with several key points to consider:
- Injuries: Sheffield United has doubts over Kieffer Moore and Sam McCallum, while Jamie Shackleton is confirmed out;
- Form: Preston’s mixed pre-season results contrast with Sheffield United’s strong showing;
- Tactical Changes: Sheffield United’s shift to a 4-2-3-1 formation under Chris Wilder;
- Player Fitness: Preston’s Freddie Woodman is a key player whose fitness will be crucial;
- New Signings: Impact of new players like Sam Greenwood for Preston and Harry Souttar for Sheffield United;
- Historical Performance: Sheffield United’s strong recent record against Preston;
- Home Advantage: Preston’s aim to leverage home support at Deepdale;
- Season Start: Both teams’ determination to start the season on a high.
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Free Tips on Preston vs Sheffield United
As always, when betting on the match between Preston and Sheffield United it is very important to analyse some data that helps in preparation for our bet. The next best come from pursuing previous matches and team meetings the statistics often doesnt lie. If that isn’t the case — or if you need help pulling the trigger on a wager — we’ve broken down for free, here based off how these teams are likely to perform in concert with historical performance and head-to-head history.
- Team Form: Check the recent form of both Preston and Sheffield United. Teams on a winning streak, like Sheffield United’s pre-season performance, are typically more confident and in better shape compared to those struggling for consistency, like Preston.
- Head-to-Head Statistics: Historically, Sheffield United has performed better against Preston, with recent matches favoring the Blades. This trend can give you an idea of potential outcomes based on past encounters.
- Managerial Changes: Chris Wilder’s return to Sheffield United and his new tactical approach can significantly influence the team’s performance. Understanding how these changes affect the team’s dynamics can provide an edge in predicting match results.
- Home vs. Away Performance: Consider the home advantage for Preston playing at Deepdale. Some teams perform significantly better at home due to familiar surroundings and fan support, which can be a critical factor in tightly contested matches.
- Weather Conditions: Weather can impact gameplay, especially in outdoor sports like football. Checking the weather forecast for match day can help you anticipate how conditions might affect the pace and style of play.
By considering these tips and conducting thorough research, you can enhance your betting strategy for the Preston vs Sheffield United match. Use these insights to make more accurate predictions and increase your chances of success.
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Match Prediction: Preston vs Sheffield United
Based on recent form, team news, and historical performance, the likely outcome for this match favors Sheffield United. The Blades have shown a more consistent pre-season performance and possess a tactical flexibility under Chris Wilder. Preston’s struggle in the latter stages of last season and their inconsistency in pre-season might play a crucial role.
Our Prediction: Preston 1-2 Sheffield United
Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
Match Result | Sheffield United Win | 2.32 |
Total Goals | Over 2.5 Goals | 1.88 |
Both Teams to Score | Yes | 1.71 |
You can place a bet on the Preston vs Sheffield United match on bc.game. The odds for various outcomes offer interesting opportunities, making it an exciting fixture for betting enthusiasts. Ensure to place your bets wisely and enjoy the start of the Championship season!