Preston will take on Sheffield United in the Championship on Friday, 24 October, in a match between two sides who were expected to be in entirely different situations at this stage of the season.
The hosts were among the favourites for relegation before a ball was kicked in August, but after 11 games played, they find themselves in the top half of the Championship, just two points adrift of the top six.
Sheffield United, meanwhile, are still recovering from a horror start to the season and remain in the bottom four, for now.
As part of this weekend's round of Championship betting tips, here is our Preston vs Sheff Utd prediction.
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Preston vs Sheff Utd prediction: Sheff Utd to pick up the win
Key Stats
- Preston have lost their last two matches in the Championship.
- Sheffield United have won their last four matches against Preston.
- Fewer than three goals have been scored in four of Sheff Utd's last six matches.
Correct score prediction: Preston 0-1 Sheff Utd
For the first time this season, Sheffield United have a slither of momentum and they should take advantage of that against a team that are perhaps now reverting to type after a strong start to the season.
Pre-game odds and win probability: A tough match to call
- HOME: 9/5 (2.80) – 35.7%
- DRAW: 21/10 (3.10) – 32.3%
- AWAY: 8/5 (2.60) – 38.5%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The Preston vs Sheff Utd odds illustrate how closely fought this match is expected to be. Ladbrokes have made Sheff Utd the narrow favourites, giving them a 38.5% chance of winning the match, while Preston have been given a 35.7% chance of victory.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Advantage Sheff Utd
Sheffield United are unbeaten in their last eight matches against Preston, picking up six wins and two draws in a run that stretches back to 2018. Preston haven't beaten the Blades at Deepdale since December 2017.
England Championship 08/03/25
Sheff Utd
Preston
England Championship 09/08/24
Preston
Sheff Utd
England Championship 29/04/23
Sheff Utd
Preston
England Championship 17/09/22
Preston
Sheff Utd
England Championship 18/01/22
Preston
Sheff Utd
Preston preview: Injuries are stacking up
Presotn will be without some of their best and most experienced players on Friday night, which isn't ideal given they are playing a team that is coming back to inform. Their list of injury absentees includes Robbie Brady, Will Keane, Jordan Thompson, Brad Potts and Pol Valentin.
Predicted lineup: Iversen (GK), Storey, Gibson, Hughes, Small, Armstrong, Whiteman, McCann, Vukcevic, Smith, Osmajic
Last five results
- Preston 0-1 Birmingham
- West Brom 2-1 Preston
- Preston 2-0 Charlton
- Hull 2-2 Preston
- Preston 0-0 Bristol City
Sheff Utd preview: Hamer adds to their injury woes
Chris Wilder won't have any sympathy when it comes to his opposite number, as he is also struggling with injuries at present. Gustavo Hamer is the latest man to go down for the Blades, and the midfielder joins Tom Davies, Tahith Chong, Ben Godfrey and Oliver Arblaster in the treatment room.
Predicted lineup: Cooper (GK), Tanganga, McGuinness, Mee, Ogbene, Peck, Soumare, Burrows, O'Hare, Brooks, Campbell
Last five results
- Blackburn 1-3 Sheffield United
- Sheffield United 1-0 Watford
- Hull 1-0 Sheffield United
- Sheffield United 1-2 Southampton
- Oxford Utd 0-1 Sheffield United
Player to watch: Tyrese Campbell
After scoring from the bench against Blackburn Rovers, Tyrese Campbell is expected to come into the Sheffield United starting XI for the match on Friday night. Campbell hasn't hit the ground running yet this season, but Wilder will be banking on his late goal last time out to kickstart his season.