Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Championship match.
The upcoming round of the Championship will open with Preston North End, who have slipped from fourth to eleventh in just two rounds, facing a rejuvenated Sheffield United that has finally climbed out of the relegation zone.
Preston North End
Preston North End were expected to drop points in recent weeks, though few anticipated such a sharp decline. The 2:1 defeat away to promotion contender West Bromwich Albion was disappointing but not shocking. What truly stung was the home loss to Birmingham, a side that started the season brightly but has since fallen down the table. Despite dominating possession (62%), registering more attempts (17-9), and creating better chances (1.38-0.83 in xG), Preston North End still failed to score, losing 0:1.
Sheffield United
While Preston North End have found the net 12 times this season, averaging just over a goal per match, Sheffield United’s attack has been far less effective with only seven goals scored. Their low tally explains their position near the bottom of the table. However, the return of Chris Wilder has sparked a mini-revival. In the last five games, Sheffield United have managed three wins and two defeats, including back-to-back victories over Watford (1:0) and Blackburn Rovers (3:1).
Preston North End vs Sheffield United Prediction
This is a difficult match to call, as both sides will be aware of the importance of every point. Sheffield United defeated Preston North End twice last season (2:0 and 1:0), but the hosts remain a well-organised team at home. The most logical approach is to expect a tight, low-scoring contest, with both managers prioritising defensive stability over risk.
