Preston North End vs Sheffield United: Predictions, Betting odds, Lineups, Preview

Explore Coral's detailed preview for Preston North End vs Sheffield United in the Championship. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 20:00 BST match.

• Fixture: Preston North End vs Sheffield United
• Date: Friday, 24 October 2025
• Kick-off: 20:00 BST
• Venue: Deepdale

Preston North End's recent form has been inconsistent, with two losses, a win, and two draws in their last five matches. They will need to tighten up defensively, having conceded in four of those games, if they are to challenge a Sheffield United side that has shown both strength and vulnerability.

Sheffield United have had a mixed bag with three wins and two losses, but their victories have been convincing, suggesting they can be potent in attack. The game could hinge on Preston's ability to exploit any defensive frailties the Blades have shown, while Sheffield United will look to dominate possession and create scoring opportunities.

The match might see Sheffield United taking the initiative, given their recent wins against strong opposition like Blackburn Rovers and Watford. However, Preston North End's home win against Charlton Athletic indicates they can be effective when playing at Deepdale.

If Preston can replicate that performance and capitalise on their home advantage, they could make this a closely contested match. Ultimately, Sheffield United's attacking prowess might just edge them over the line.

Preston North End's recent form has been a mix of resilience and fragility. They managed a solid win against Charlton Athletic at home, but losses to Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion highlight defensive issues that need addressing.

Their draws against Hull City and Bristol City show they can hold their own against mid-table teams, but they will need to be more clinical in front of goal to challenge Sheffield United. The absence of Will Keane due to injury might affect their attacking options, putting more pressure on the likes of Jebbison and Smith to deliver.

• Loss: 0-1 vs Birmingham City (H)
• Loss: 1-2 vs West Bromwich Albion (A)
• Win: 2-0 vs Charlton Athletic (H)
• Draw: 2-2 vs Hull City (A)
• Draw: 0-0 vs Bristol City (H)

Sheffield United have shown they can be a formidable force, with convincing wins against Blackburn Rovers and Watford. However, their losses to Hull City and Southampton indicate they are not invincible, particularly away from home.

Their ability to score in most of their recent games suggests they have the firepower to trouble Preston's defence. The absence of Ben Godfrey might weaken their backline, but their recent performances indicate they can still pose a significant threat.

• Win: 3-1 vs Blackburn Rovers (A)
• Win: 1-0 vs Watford (H)
• Loss: 0-1 vs Hull City (A)
• Loss: 1-2 vs Southampton (H)
• Win: 1-0 vs Oxford United (A)

Sheffield United have had the upper hand in recent encounters with Preston North End, winning four out of the last five matches. The most recent game saw Sheffield United secure a 1-0 victory away from home, while they also won 2-0 at Deepdale in the same season. Preston's only point in this period came from a 2-2 draw at home in January 2022. This historical dominance might give Sheffield United a psychological edge going into the match.

• Sheffield United 1-0 Preston North End (08 Mar 2025)
• Preston North End 0-2 Sheffield United (09 Aug 2024)
• Sheffield United 4-1 Preston North End (29 Apr 2023)
• Preston North End 0-2 Sheffield United (17 Sep 2022)
• Preston North End 2-2 Sheffield United (18 Jan 2022)

• Will Keane (Calf) - Doubt

• Robbie Brady (Calf) - Doubt

• Jordan Thompson (Ankle) - Doubt

• Josh Seary (Knee) - Doubt

• Pol Valentin (Muscle) - Doubt

• Brad Potts (Muscle) - Doubt

• Tahith Chong (Menbiscus) - Out

• Ollie Arblaster (Cruciate Ligament) - Out

• Tom Davies (Calf) - Out

• Gustavo Hamer (Knee) - Out

• Ben Godfrey (Knee) - Out

• Jamie Shackleton (Foot) - Doubt

Predicted lineup: Iversen (GK), Storey (DF), Hughes (DF), Gibson (DF), Offiah (MF), Whiteman (MF), Armstrong (MF), McCann (MF), Vukcevic (MF), Offiah (MF), Jebbison (AT), Smith (AT)

Preston North End's predicted lineup suggests a focus on maintaining a solid defensive structure while relying on the creativity of Armstrong and McCann in midfield to unlock Sheffield United's defence. The absence of Will Keane means Jebbison and Smith will need to step up and provide the necessary goal threat.

Predicted lineup: Cooper (GK), Tanganga (DF), Mee (DF), McGuinness (DF), Ogbene (MF), Soumaré (MF), Peck (MF), Burrows (MF), Cannon (AT), O'Hare (AT), Ings (AT)

Sheffield United's predicted lineup indicates a strategy of controlling the game through midfield with Peck and Soumaré, while relying on the attacking trio of Cannon, Ings, and O'Hare to exploit any gaps in Preston's defence. The absence of Ben Godfrey might necessitate a more cautious approach at the back.

• Jebbison vs McGuinness: This will be a crucial battle between Preston's forward Jebbison and Sheffield United's defender McGuinness, with Jebbison looking to exploit any gaps in the defence.

• Whiteman vs Peck: The midfield duel between Preston's Whiteman and Sheffield United's Peck could dictate the tempo of the game, with Whiteman aiming to control the play.

• McCann (Preston North End): McCann's ability to drive forward from midfield and create scoring opportunities makes him a vital player for Preston North End.

• Peck (Sheffield United): Peck's role in midfield, providing both defensive solidity and creative spark, makes him a key player for Sheffield United.

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.