Sheffield United vs Preston North End. Sky Bet Championship.
Bramall LaneAttendance23,857.
Thursday 20 September 2018 17:25, UK
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder is set to make changes for the visit of Preston in the Sky Bet Championship.
Wilder rotated his squad for Wednesday's goalless draw with Birmingham, so the likes of Enda Stevens, Kieron Freeman, John Lundstram, Billy Sharp and David McGoldrick are in contention to return.
Midfielder Paul Coutts, out since breaking his leg last November, is nearing a return but will be given a run-out for the Under-23s in a behind-closed-doors friendly this week before being considered. Defender Jake Wright is out until next month with a back injury.
Preston welcome back Ryan Ledson from suspension but fellow midfielder Ben Pearson is still banned. Ledson has now completed his three-match ban for his sending-off at Leeds in the Carabao Cup but Pearson still has one match to serve for his dismissal against Bolton.
Midfielder Alan Browne looks to have come through his return from a hip injury unscathed. Calum Woods, Sean Maguire (both hamstring) and striker Billy Bodin (knee) remain on the sidelines.
Sheffield United have lost three of their last five home matches against Preston in all competitions (W2) having lost none between September 1982 and April 2013 (17 matches).
Preston won both Championship matches against Sheffield United last season - they haven't won three league games in a row against the Blades since March 1897.
Sheffield United have won five of their last seven home league games in the month of September (D1 L1), conceding only three goals whilst keeping four clean sheets.
Preston are winless in their last seven league games (D2 L5), conceding at least twice in each of their last six.
Sheffield United have scored more goals in the opening 10 minutes of their league games this season (three) than any other Championship side.
Preston have failed to score in their last four away league games. They last had a longer such run without a goal on the road in March 1985 (a run of six).
David Prutton predicts: 3-0 (14/1 with Sky Bet)
