Sheffield United vs Preston North End. Sky Bet Championship.
Bramall LaneAttendance28,568.
Thursday 26 April 2018 17:50, UK
Sheffield United striker Leon Clarke could return to action in the home game against Preston.
Clarke missed last week's defeat at Birmingham City due to a back spasm, but boss Chris Wilder has confirmed the 18-goal striker is available.
Wilder has no new injury problems as the Blades bid to keep alive their outside play-off chances with victory. Goalkeeper Simon Moore (tonsillitis) and defender Jake Wright (knee) both missed out last week and will be monitored.
Preston central defenders Tom Clarke and Paul Huntington are expected to be fit after recovering from respective hamstring strains. Both players sustained the injuries in last week's home draw against Norwich - Huntington was replaced at half-time - but were scheduled to return to training and should feature.
Striker Sean Maguire could return to the starting line-up. He stepped off the bench last week after recovering from a hamstring problem. Boss Alex Neil has no new injury or suspension worries as the Lilywhites chase the win that could keep them in contention for a top-six finish.
Sheffield United have already beaten Preston at Bramall Lane once this season, winning 1-0 in the FA Cup.
Including play-off matches, Preston have won just one of their last 18 away league visits to Sheffield United (D5 L12), a 1-0 win in September 2013 in League One.
The Blades are unbeaten in seven league games at Bramall Lane (W4 D3), their best such run of the season so far, but have only won one of the last four (D3).
Preston have only failed to score in one of their last 10 matches away from home (W5 D3 L2).
Despite not scoring since February, Billy Sharp's 12 league goals this season have been worth 17 points to the Blades, winning more points for his side than any other player in the competition.
Preston striking duo Sean Maguire and Callum Robinson have been responsible for netting six of their sides last seven league goals on the road (three each).
