Sheffield Wednesday will be hoping to have a better 2026, starting off with a positive result at Deepdale against Preston in the Championship on New Year's Day. Indeed, the Owls have had a miserable 2025, sitting on minus points in the table with concerns remaining over the club's future.
Meanwhile, Preston have had a much brighter season so far, sitting just outside the play-off places in seventh. The hosts could break into the top six with a victory here.
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Preston vs Sheffield Wednesday prediction: Owls' misery to continue?
Key stats
- Preston have lost just once in eight games.
- Wednesday are winless in 17 matches.
- Preston are unbeaten in three H2Hs, winning the last two.
Correct score prediction: Preston 3-1 Sheffield Wednesday
Preston should be hot favourites to claim all three points on home soil. We are backing Wednesday to get themselves on the scoresheet though, as they have done in two of their previous three matches.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Preston favourites with bookmakers
- HOME: 8/15 (1.53) – 65.2%
- DRAW: 16/5 (4.20) – 23.8%
- AWAY: 19/4 (5.75) – 17.4%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
As shown by the implied probabilities, Preston have been installed as the favourites with bookmakers to claim all three points. A draw can still be backed at just under 24%, while a Wednesday victory is rated at just over 17%.
Also, feel free to check out our dedicated Today’s betting tips page for more of our expert Championship predictions.
Most recent H2Hs: Preston hold upper hand
As mentioned before, Preston are unbeaten in the previous three meetings between the two sides, and did win the most recent one earlier this season. They should be strong favourites to extend that run on home soil.
England Championship 29/11/25
Sheff Wed
Preston
England Championship 29/12/24
Preston
Sheff Wed
England Championship 07/12/24
Sheff Wed
Preston
England Championship 29/12/23
Preston
Sheff Wed
England Championship 19/08/23
Sheff Wed
Preston
Preston preview: Only a couple injuries
Preston have almost a fully fit squad to choose from heading into this clash. Only Robbie Brady and Lewis Gibson are expected to be absent through injury.
Predicted lineup: Iversen (GK); Offiah, Storey, Hughes; Valentin Sancho; Armstrong, Whiteman, Devine, Small; Smith & Jebbison
Last five results:
- Wrexham 2-1 Preston
- Stoke 0-0 Preston
- Preston 1-1 Norwich
- Oxford United 1-2 Preston
- Preston 1-1 Coventry
Sheffield Wednesday preview: Plenty of absentees
Wednesday will have a thin squad to choose from as there are a number of players either out injured or at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Nonetheless, the Owls' starting XI should not differ too much from their previous outing.
Predicted lineup: Charles (GK); Iorfa, Cooper, McGhee; Palmer, Thornton, Bannan, Ingelsson, Amass; Cadamarteri & Lowe
Last five results:
- Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Blackburn
- Sheffield Wednesday 2-2 Hull
- Ipswich 3-1 Sheffield Wednesday
- Sheffield Wednesday 0-3 Derby
- Watford 1-1 Sheffield Wednesday
Player to watch: Alfie Devine
Despite losing 2-1 away at Wrexham in the Championship last time out, Alfie Devine did manage to grab a consolation goal for Preston. That was only the midfielder's fourth goal for the club since joining on loan from Tottenham in the summer, and he will be hoping to add to his tally when Wednesday come to Deepdale next up.