Preston vs Sheffield United Predictions

Preston vs Sheffield United predictions, betting tips and match previews for their Championship clash. The EFL returns as the 20th Championship season begins on Friday night, with Preston North End hosting Sheffield United at Deepdale for their opening match of the 2024-25 campaign. Read on for our free betting tips and predictions.

Championship | Aug 9, 2024 at 8pm UK at Deepdale

Preston vs Sheffield United Predictions

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Can Sheffield United Start Strong Against Preston North End?

The EFL Championship returns with an intriguing clash between Preston North End and Sheffield United at Deepdale. Both teams are keen to start the new season with a victory, following contrasting fortunes last term. Let’s delve into a comprehensive analysis of what we can expect from this encounter.

Team Overview

Preston North End

Preston North End are gearing up for their tenth consecutive season in the Championship. After ending the last two seasons in 13th place, they improved slightly to finish 12th in the 2023-24 campaign. Despite showing some promise earlier in the season, a disastrous end saw them lose their final five matches without scoring, thus dashing their playoff hopes.

Manager Ryan Lowe has faced numerous challenges but continues to enjoy the backing of the club’s hierarchy. Heading into his fourth season at the helm, Lowe has stated that his team is well-prepared and has urged the fans to create a vibrant atmosphere at Deepdale to boost the players’ morale.

Preston’s pre-season was a mixed bag, with four wins against lower-league teams and a significant victory over Liverpool, followed by a heavy defeat to Everton. The team will be looking to end their six-match winless streak against Sheffield United and secure their first opening day win in six seasons.

Sheffield United

Sheffield United, on the other hand, are reeling from a catastrophic Premier League season that saw them finish 20th and concede a record 104 goals. The Blades managed only three wins and were relegated with a meagre 16 points. Manager Chris Wilder, who returned to the club in December, is optimistic about turning the team’s fortunes around, citing his renewed enthusiasm and experience.

Financial troubles off the pitch have led to a points deduction, but Sheffield United have bolstered their squad with several new signings. Despite losing many first-team players, the Blades had a strong pre-season, winning four out of five matches and drawing the last one against Huddersfield Town. Wilder’s tactical shift to a high-pressing 4-2-3-1 formation has shown promise and will be on display against Preston.

Tactical Analysis

Preston North End

Preston are expected to line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Freddie Woodman returning between the sticks if fit. The defence will be marshalled by Jack Whatmough, Liam Lindsay, and Andrew Hughes, providing a solid backline. Brad Potts and Robbie Brady are likely to operate as wing-backs, with Whiteman and Ledson in central midfield. Up front, Sam Greenwood and Emil Riis Jacobsen will support striker Will Keane.

Lowe’s side will look to maintain compact defensive organisation while seeking to exploit spaces on the counter-attack. The team’s success will largely depend on their ability to keep possession and create chances through the wings.

Sheffield United

Sheffield United’s expected 4-2-3-1 formation features Ivo Grbić in goal, with a back four of Kyron Gordon, Anel Ahmedhodzic, Harry Souttar, and Harrison Burrows. The midfield pivot of Vinícius Souza and Oliver Arblaster will aim to control the tempo, while the attacking trio of Hamer, Callum O’Hare, and Brooks will support lone striker Rhian Brewster.

Wilder’s high-pressing strategy focuses on winning the ball high up the pitch and quickly transitioning into attack. This approach will test Preston’s defensive resilience and their ability to play out from the back under pressure.

Key Players and Duels

• Will Keane vs. Anel Ahmedhodzic: Preston’s top scorer from last season, Will Keane, will be pivotal in breaking down Sheffield United’s defence. Ahmedhodzic’s defensive acumen will be crucial in keeping Keane at bay.
• Robbie Brady vs. Kyron Gordon: Brady’s experience and crossing ability could pose significant threats from the left wing. Gordon will need to be vigilant and quick to nullify Brady’s impact.
• Vinícius Souza vs. Benjamin Whiteman: The midfield battle will be intense, with Souza’s physicality and Whiteman’s creativity playing central roles in dictating play.

Expected Goals Analysis

Preston averaged 1.2 goals per game last season, a statistic that highlights their struggles in front of goal, particularly towards the end of the campaign. Their xG (expected goals) will need a significant boost to compete effectively in this fixture.

Sheffield United, despite their disastrous Premier League season, averaged 0.9 goals per game. Their xG data suggests they underperformed significantly, which they will hope to rectify in the Championship. The addition of new attacking talents could help in realising their potential.

Predicted Gameplay

The game is expected to be a cagey affair, with both teams prioritising defensive solidity. Preston’s approach will likely involve soaking up pressure and counter-attacking through their wing-backs. In contrast, Sheffield United will aim to dominate possession, pressing high and forcing errors to create scoring opportunities.

Improvement Suggestions

For Preston:

• Increase Attacking Cohesion: The team needs to work on their attacking patterns to create more high-quality chances. Improving the link-up play between midfielders and forwards could see them become more potent in front of goal.
• Strengthen Defensive Organisation: Reducing defensive lapses and errors that lead to goals will be crucial. Emphasising defensive drills in training could enhance their overall stability.

For Sheffield United:

• Enhance Midfield Control: Improving ball retention and control in midfield can help them dictate the pace of the game more effectively.
• Improve Goal Conversion: Focusing on converting the chances they create will be essential to avoid a repeat of last season’s profligacy.

Managerial Critique

Ryan Lowe: Lowe has managed to maintain his position despite some tough periods. However, his tactical flexibility and ability to motivate the squad will be tested this season. He needs to ensure his team starts the season strongly to keep fan support intact.

Chris Wilder: Wilder’s return has brought hope, but his insistence on a high-pressing game might backfire if not executed perfectly. His tactical rigidity and inability to adapt during matches have been criticised, and this season will be a litmus test for his methods.

Predictions

Best Bet: Sheffield United -1 to Win

Sheffield United have had a productive pre-season, winning four out of five fixtures and drawing the last one. They appear to be a team reinvigorated under Chris Wilder, who has implemented a high-pressing 4-2-3-1 formation. This tactical shift has given them a solid structure and attacking impetus, which was clearly missing last season.

The additions of key players like Harrison Burrows and Callum O’Hare have added quality and depth to the squad. In contrast, Preston North End are coming off a poor run of form, having lost their last five matches of the previous season without scoring a single goal. The departure of key players over the summer further weakens their squad. Given these factors, Sheffield United look well-equipped to secure a win by at least one goal, making this a solid bet.

Correct Score: Preston North End 0-2 Sheffield United

A 2-0 victory for Sheffield United aligns well with their current form and tactical setup. Their high-pressing game is likely to disrupt Preston’s attempts to build play from the back. With Rhian Brewster leading the line and supported by creative midfielders like Gustavo Hamer and Callum O’Hare, Sheffield United have the firepower to score.

Preston’s defensive frailties, evidenced by their poor end to the last season, suggest they will struggle to keep a clean sheet. Moreover, Preston’s attacking output has been questionable, and they might find it hard to break down a well-organised Sheffield United defence. Thus, a 2-0 win for the Blades seems a realistic prediction.

Goalscorer Prediction: Rhian Brewster to Score

Rhian Brewster is poised to be a key player for Sheffield United this season. His pace, movement, and finishing abilities make him a significant threat, particularly against a Preston defence that conceded 67 goals last season. Brewster’s positioning and knack for finding space in the box will be crucial in converting the chances created by his teammates.

Additionally, with Sheffield United adopting a more attacking formation, Brewster is likely to receive more opportunities to score. Given Preston’s defensive vulnerabilities, Brewster stands a good chance of getting on the scoresheet at least once in this match.

First Half Result: Sheffield United to Lead

Sheffield United’s pre-season form and tactical approach suggest they will come out strong from the start. Chris Wilder’s emphasis on high pressing and quick transitions is likely to put Preston under immediate pressure.

The Blades’ ability to win the ball high up the pitch and create early scoring opportunities will be pivotal. Preston, on the other hand, might struggle to match Sheffield United’s intensity, especially in the opening stages. Given the disparity in form and squad strength, it is reasonable to expect Sheffield United to take the lead by half-time.

Innovative Market: Total Team Shots on Target – Sheffield United Over 5

Sheffield United’s attacking strategy under Chris Wilder is designed to generate numerous goal-scoring opportunities. Their high-pressing game and quick transitions often lead to shots on target. During pre-season, this approach has been effective, with the team consistently creating chances.

Players like Gustavo Hamer, Callum O’Hare, and Rhian Brewster are all capable of testing the opposition goalkeeper regularly. Considering Preston’s defensive issues and the likelihood of Sheffield United dominating possession, the Blades are expected to exceed five shots on target in this match. This market offers value given Sheffield United’s attacking potential and Preston’s recent defensive record. strategies and the attacking quality should lead to a high number of shots on target, making this market a valuable prediction.

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