Preston North End are back at Deepdale as they take on Sheffield United in their search for a second win of the season.

After suffering another defeat last weekend to Stoke City, where Jack McGlynn and Ben Wilmot’s goals sunk Alexander’s men 2-0, the Lilywhites head into November with only one win to their name. 

Despite an encouraging performance against West Brom, the Lancashire side could not build on it and conjure up three points. 

With every game comes another chance to make things right however, this fixture last season produced a stellar comeback from North End have Lewis Dobbin and Daniel Jebbison grabbed goals to help Preston to a 3-2 victory. 

Those two aren’t there anymore, so who’s going to be the one to step up and make themselves counter this around. 

Sheffield United’s Form

Currently sitting 10th, It’s been a very stop-start season from ‘The Blades’ who have had a tendency to go on a win run and a streak of losses. 

Unfortunately for Preston, they’re on a pretty good run – three wins, one draw, and a loss in their last five. 

Last time out, Christ Wilder’s side beat Wrexham 1-0 at Bramall Lane thanks to a Ben Brereton Diaz first half goal.

Before that, it was 1-1 draw with second bottom Derby County, perhaps giving North End a slither of hope that United are susceptible to bad result against the “weaker” teams. 

Team News

Preston North End have a host of players missing from the first-team due to injury, starting with club captain Ali McCann. 

The Northern Irish midfielder is back on the grass in training as he makes a recovery from a hamstring injury he suffered in August. 

Vice captain Lewis Gibson also misses out after having surgery to fix a hernia. 

Harry Clarke also faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering from a shoulder injury against Millwall in October. 

Liam Gibbs’ muscle injury will also see him out of action for a few weeks. 

Sheffield United could be without several key players for their trip to Deepdale, with Chris Wilder sweating on the fitness of four members of his squad.

Kalvin Phillips, Patrick Bamford, Joe Rothwell and goalkeeper Adam Davies are all facing late fitness tests ahead of Tuesday night’s clash. Phillips rolled his ankle against Wrexham but managed to play on, while Bamford continues to recover from a shoulder problem that kept him out of Friday’s victory.

Rothwell was forced to withdraw from the substitutes’ bench after picking up a groin issue in the warm-up, while Davies has been struggling with a back problem and received an injection over the weekend.

The Blades will definitely be without Ryan One, who faces several weeks on the sidelines after suffering a recurrence of his hamstring injury. Liam Kitching is also unavailable after picking up a one-match suspension, while Tahith Chong and Romelle Donovan are doubts after picking up potential injuries against Wrexham.

Three Danger Men

Tom Cannon

The Republic of Ireland international will be a familiar face to Preston supporters, having previously spent time at Deepdale before moving on in search of regular first-team football.

Now at Sheffield United, Cannon remains a mobile centre-forward with good movement, an eye for goal and the ability to stretch opposition defences. His understanding of the Championship and previous experience at North End could make this an interesting return to face his former club.

With three goals this season, he has already demonstrated his ability to provide a threat in the final third. Preston will need to remain compact and prevent him from finding space in behind, particularly if look to exploit transitions.

Jordan Ayew

The experienced Ghanaian forward brings plenty of quality and know-how to Sheffield United’s attacking options, with his physicality and intelligent movement making him a difficult opponent to contain.

Although not the most prolific goalscorer, Ayew offers excellent hold-up play and is particularly effective at bringing teammates into the game. He registered six goals and three assists in 42 Championship appearances for Leicester City last season, demonstrating his ability to contribute in the final third.

PNE will need to prevent him from receiving the ball comfortably and avoid allowing him to draw defenders out of position, particularly with Tom Cannon and Ben Brereton Díaz looking to exploit the space around him.

Ben Brereton Díaz

The Chilean international is another attacking threat Preston will need to keep a close eye on, having recently opened his Championship account for Sheffield United with the winning goal against Wrexham.

A direct and powerful forward, Brereton Díaz offers plenty of pace, physicality and versatility in the final third. His ability to operate across the frontline, run in behind defenders and attack space makes him a difficult opponent to contain, particularly when given room to drive at the opposition.

With one goal and one assist in 11 Championship appearances this season, he is beginning to find his feet at Bramall Lane. North End will need to limit the space available to him and avoid allowing him to attack their defensive line, especially in transition. 

XI Prediction

Preston North End (3-4-3):

Iversen: Offiah, Storey, Hughes; Mills, Thompson, Leroy, Vukcevic; Lang, Kenny, Burgzorg.

Sheffield United (4-4-2):

Cooper; Choudhury, Tanganga, McGuinness, Burrows; Campbell, Peck, Phillips, Brereton Díaz; Ayew, Cannon.

Score Prediction: Preston North End 1-2 Sheffield United

The pitiful attacking display shown at Stoke last weekend fills me with no confidence.

Combine that with the fact that Deepdale has not been a home, never mind a fortress, it’s looking rather bleak yet again for Preston.

This squad compared to the one that did the double over the Yorkshire side last season is unrecognisable, so I just don’t see a Preston win in this whatsoever. 

With so much noise surrounding the club, it feels as though the players and staff alike are being consumed by it.