Preston vs Sheff Utd Prediction: Blades can get off to flying start

The Championship is finally here! After months of waiting, the football returns on Friday night as Preston North End host Sheffield United at Deepdale (20:00, SkySports+). Chris Wilder’s side were humiliated in the Premier League last term, amassing just 16 points along the way, but they are looking to find their feet again in the Championship. Meanwhile, Preston said farewell to their long-term captain this summer, but are hoping for a positive start the this second tier season. 

Below you can find my Preston vs Sheff Utd Prediction as the Championship begins in earnest. 

Preston vs Sheff Utd Odds

Preston are priced at 2/1 to win this game while Sheff Utd are available at 11/8. A draw can be backed at 23/10, over 2.5 goals is 10/11 and BTTS is 4/6.

There’s also intrigue in the first goalscorer market as Sheffield United new boy Kieffer Moore is favourite to open the scoring, at 11/2.

Team News

Preston lost captain Alan Browne to Sunderland this window, and Ryan Lowe has been sweating on the fitness of star goalkeeper Freddie Woodman. The reliable 27-year-old has been ill during pre-season and missed games against Salford and Everton, so David Cornell could feature in his place. 

Sam Greenwood should start having come in from Leeds, while recent addition Kaine Kesler-Hayden could also play some part having joined on loan from Aston Villa. Will Keane is set to start up front and will hope to profit from the crosses of experienced left-footer Robbie Brady. 

Meanwhile, Chris Wilder has a sizable task on his hands after a summer of incomings and outgoings. Kieffer Moore has a slight knock but will start if he is fit, while it appears Sam McCallum could miss out with a hamstring tweak. Jamie Shackleton is also absent but Harry Souttar and Alfie Gilchrist could both be thrown in for their debuts, despite only joining in the past few days. 

Fellow summer arrival Callum O’Hare will start alongside former Coventry teammate Gustavo Hamer, with Oli Arblaster ready to take a starring role for the Blades this term. Harrison Burrows is also expected to make his debut after joining from Peterborough. 

Sheff Utd to win @ 11/8

I think the Blades are going to surprise a few people this season. They are the worst-rated relegated team, according to the bookmakers, and clearly their squad is still short in depth at this moment in time. But, with the recent loan additions, especially in defence, I think they can put out an incredibly strong XI. 

Hamer is Premier League quality, O’Hare is a fantastic addition and Arblaster should enjoy a brilliant campaign. Those three in midfield could cause chaos, while if Moore is fit to start, they should go well. Meanwhile, I’m fairly down on Preston’s chances this term. They won six of their first seven last season, but failed to impress after that, while Deepdale doesn’t particularly hold a fear factor in the second tier. 

I think these two will be at opposite ends of the table this term, so I’m happy to back an away win in this opening game. 

Callum O’Hare to score anytime @ 3/1 

O’Hare was a wanted man when it became apparent that he wouldn’t stay at Coventry City this summer. It was thought he could possibly move to the Premier League, but Sheffield United have snagged him. It’s a coup for them, and shows their financial might in this division, but he will bring energy and goals to this team. 

A nifty, energetic, creative midfielder, he also went through a goalscoring patch last season when he scored six goals across 11 matches. Given he is going to want to show what he is all about for his new side, I think we could see O’Hare find the net at Deepdale. 

Check out our full Sunderland Championship Odds preview here. 

Offers

Acca Flex: Place a pre-match 5+ leg Football accumulator and get a CASH bonus up to 50% if all of your selections win or your money back as CASH if one leg lets you down.

You can read all our latest Football Betting Tips at our dedicated Betfred Insights content hub.