Preston v Sheff Utd

Preston vs Sheffield United Preview

Friday night sees the return of the new English Championship season and features this upcoming clash between Preston NE who finished in mid-table at the end of last season's Championship campaign, and Sheffield United who were once again relegated from the Premier League after just one season in the English top flight.

Preston NE ended last season sitting in 10th place in the Championship table but some 10 points adrift of the play-off pack so manager Ryan Lowe and his side will be keen to push on this season and secure a top six finish following a miserable finish to last season's campaign.

The Lancashire club lost their last five league games on the trot with losses incurred against the likes of Norwich City, Southampton, QPR, Leicester City and West Brom respectively, so manager Ryan Lowe will be under early pressure to deliver some positive results in the early stages of this new Championship season.

It's worth noting that three of Preston NE's five defeats towards the end of last season were handed out to them on the road while results on home soil at Deepdale were quite reasonable as The Lilywhites suffered just three losses in their last 10 home games, five of which also resulted in both teams scoring.

Chris Wilder returned for a second stint at the helm of Sheffield United but he was unable to turn The Blades' flagging fortunes around in the English top flight and the Yorkshire club joined the other two promoted sides from the Championship, Luton Town and Burnley, back down to the second tier at the end of the season.

The manner in which Sheffield United were relegated will be a major concern for the club and fans alike as The Blades finished a significant 16 points adrift of safety as they finished bottom of the Premier League table with just a total of 16 points to their name.

A woeful 16-match winless run to end last season's top flight campaign also included slipping to no fewer than 13 defeats within that miserable period of results but Sheffield United's pre-season games will give the Yorkshire visitors a welcome boost ahead of this new Championship season.

Chris Wilder's side have picked up wins against York City, Chesterfield, Harrogate Town and Rotherham United along with a 1-1 draw with Huddersfield Town and although their opposition were less extravagant, wins are wins when trying to re-build momentum and morale amongst a previously relegated and downtrodden Sheffield United outfit.

Seven of Sheffield United's last 10 games overall have also seen both teams score as well.

Preston NE v Sheffield United Verdict

This upcoming clash is expected to be a tight one as both teams will be keen not to lose their opening game of the season but both look likely to hit the back of the net.

Therefore, our main bet will be BTTS Yes @ 1.72

Other side bets worth considering:

Draw @ 3.40

Correct Score: 1-1 @ 6.50