Promotion-hunting Sheffield United play host to former manager Paul Heckingbottom’s Preston North End side at Bramall Lane on Saturday.
EFL Championship
Our Three Predictions for Sheffield United vs Preston North End
- First Prediction: Sheffield United to win – 57/100
- Second Prediction: Under 2.5 goals to be scored – 53/100
- Third Prediction: Both teams to score – No – 53/100
First Prediction for Sheffield United vs Preston North End – Sheffield United to win – 57/100
It’s no secret how important the last 11 Championship fixtures are for Sheffield United. They currently sit second, three points off top spot, but also two points off third-placed Burnley, who sit in a play-off position. With no disrespect to Preston, the Blades need to be winning games against opponents such as Preston North End, who currently sit 15th. As you’d expect from a team searching for promotion, United have won 23 league games this season, which is more than anyone else in the division, even more than league-leaders Leeds United. In their last five games, they have won four, only losing to the aforementioned Leeds. Preston, on the other hand, have only won one of their last five games, drawing three, but only losing once. Although it seems like an easy prediction, it would be a shock if Sheffield United did not beat the Lilywhites.
Second Prediction for Sheffield United vs Preston North End – Under 2.5 goals to be scored – 53/100
The Blades have the third best defensive record in the second-tier this season based on the number of goals conceded. They have conceded 27 goals in 35 games, whilst North End have conceded 41 in the same number of games. United also have a much better goalscoring record, and have scored 50 goals, whilst Preston have scored 36 goals. On average, the hosts only concede 0.77 goals per game, whilst Heckingbottom’s side average 1.17 goals conceded per game. In addition, both teams’ goalscoring average is below 1.50, with Preston playing apart in two 0-0 draws in their last five matches. Based on the stats, this game isn’t going to be a high-scoring encounter, nor is it shaping up to be a match that will live long in the memory.
Third Prediction for Sheffield United vs Preston North End – Both teams to score – No – 53/100
Backed up by my previous point, these sides rarely play their part in a high-scoring encounter. Chris Wilder’s side have only scored more than three goals on two occasions this season, and have kept a total of 18 clean sheets in the Championship. Meanwhile, Preston have failed to score a single goal on seven occasions, three of which have come away from home. Based on Sheffield United’s good defensive record, mixed with the fact that Preston this season have failed to find the net twice in their last five games, it is unlikely that Heckingbottom’s side will score in this game.
Best Odds for Sheffield United vs Preston North End
| Bookmaker | Sheffield United | Draw | Preston North End |
| Myriadplay | 57/100 | 14/5 | 19/5 |
| Gentleman Jim | 4/6 | 13/5 | 17/4 |
| Betarno | 5/8 | 13/5 | 4/1 |
Full Preview of the Game – Last Results and Head-To-Head
As mentioned above, both sides come into this game in completely opposite form. Whilst the Blades have won four of their last five games, Preston have only won once, yet have only been beaten once. Three of their five fixtures have ended level at full time. Wilder’s side occupy an automatic promotion spot, whilst Heckingbottom’s side sit 15th.
Three points could be crucial for the hosts, with third-placed Burnley only two points off themselves, meaning if they were to drop points, the Clarets would have the opportunity to overtake them. At the same time, in the unlikely event league-leaders Leeds drop points, three points would mean the Blades could potentially catch up. Whilst the away side sit 15th, depending on other results, they could jump three places to 12th.
Since 2010, these sides have met 23 times in multiple competitions, including League One, the FA Cup and the Championship. Sheffield United have won the majority of the ties, with 11, whilst seven have ended level. Preston have won the other five.
Confrontation
08/03/2025
Championship Championship
Sheffield United
Preston North End
1
0
09/08/2024
Championship Championship
Preston North End
Sheffield United
0
2
29/04/2023
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Sheffield United
Preston North End
4
1
17/09/2022
Championship Championship
Preston North End
Sheffield United
0
2
Last Results - Sheffield Utd 
25/04/2025
Championship Championship
Stoke
Sheffield Utd
0
2
W
21/04/2025
Championship Championship
Burnley
Sheffield United
2
1
L
18/04/2025
Championship Championship
Sheffield United
Cardiff City
2
0
W
12/04/2025
Championship Championship
Plymouth Argyle
Sheffield United
2
1
L
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Championship Championship
Sheffield United
Millwall
0
1
L
Last Results - Preston
26/04/2025
Championship Championship
Preston
Plymouth
1
2
L
21/04/2025
Championship Championship
Hull City
Preston North End
2
1
L
18/04/2025
Championship Championship
Preston North End
Queens Park Rangers
1
2
L
12/04/2025
Championship Championship
Leeds United
Preston North End
2
1
L
08/04/2025
Championship Championship
Preston North End
Cardiff City
2
2
D
Where to watch Sheffield United vs Preston North End
This match will not be televised due to the 3 pm blackout, but where can you watch it in person?
- Location: Bramall Lane, Sheffield
- Date: Saturday March 8, 2025
Probable Lineups for Sheffield United vs Preston North End
What sort of lineups can we expect for this Championship clash?
Predicted Sheffield United Lineup:
- Lineup: M. Cooper; H. Burrows, A. Ahmedhodzic, J. Robinson, S. McCallum; S. Peck, V. de Souza, C. O’Hare; G. Hamer, B. Brereton Diaz, T. Campbell
- Injured/suspended: J. Shakleton, O. Arblaster, H. Clarke, T. Davies
- Manager: Chris Wilder
Predicted Preston North End Lineup:
- Lineup: F. Woodman; L. Gibson, L. Lindsay, K. Kesler-Hayden, R. Brady, B. Potts; R. Ledson, A. McCann; W. Keane, S. Greenwood, M. Osmajic
- Injured/suspended: B. Whiteman, D. Holmes, J. Whatmough, J. Storey, M. Frøjær-Jensen
- Manager: Paul Heckingbottom
