The EFL Championship season kicks off with a bang as Sheffield United make the short trip to Deepdale to face Preston North End.
The Blades, relegated from the Premier League, will be eager to hit the ground running as they aim for an immediate return to the top flight. The Lilywhites suffered a 3-0 defeat to Everton in their final pre-season friendly which will work as a wake-up call.
Sheffield’s pre-season also ended with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Huddersfield Town. So, there is a competitive edge that will undoubtedly be turned up a notch for this opening-day clash. Both teams will be looking to get off to a winning start this season.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times, and the latest lineup news.
Preston North End vs. Sheffield United live stream, TV Channel
- TV channel: —
- Live stream: Sky Sports+
The game has not been selected to be televised live on TV in the United Kingdom (UK) but can be streamed live on Sky Sports' new streaming service - Sky Sports+, which comes at no additional cost to existing Sky customers.
What time does Preston North End vs. Sheffield United kick off?
| Date | Friday, August 9 |
| Kick-off Time | 8:00 p.m. BST |
| Venue | Deepdale Stadium |
| Location | Preston, England |
This Championship clash takes place at Deepdale Stadium in Preston, England and kicks off on Friday, August 9 at 8:00 p.m. local time (BST).
Preston North End vs. Sheffield United lineups, team news
Preston North End boss Ryan Lowe is sweating on the fitness of number one goalkeeper Freddie Woodman due to a muscle injury ahead of the season opener against Sheffield United. Moreover, Ali McCann (calf) and Layton Stewart (thigh) will also miss the Friday match.
Preston North End probable lineup (5-3-2, right to left): Woodman (GK) — Potts, Storey, Lindsay, Hughes, Brady — Whiteman, Thordarson, Frokjaer — Keane, Riis.
Injured: Finlay Cross-Adair (traffic accident)
Suspensions: N/A
The fitness of Kieffer Moore and Andre Dozzell remains uncertain following their absence from the final pre-season friendly. However, the new signings Callum O’Hare and Harrison Burrows are available for selection and expected to contribute immediately.
So, the Blades manager Chris Wilder faces a selection headache ahead of the season opener against Preston North End. A significant squad overhaul during the summer transfer window has left the Blades with limited options, and further reinforcements could be on the horizon in the coming weeks.
Sheffield United probable lineup (4-4-2, right to left): Davies (GK) — Seriki, Ahmedhodzic, Robinson, Gilchrist — Burrows, Arblaster, Hamer, O’Hare — Moore, Brewster.
Injured: N/A
Suspensions: N/A
Preston North End vs. Sheffield United prediction
- Score Prediction: Preston North End 1-2 Sheffield United
The Blades have assembled a strong squad in the offseason and look well-equipped for a promotion push. With key players like Hamer, Ahmedhodzic, and Souza available, they boast a quality that few in the league can match.
The pressure is on Chris Wilder to deliver an immediate return to the Premier League, but a favourable opening fixture could be just what the doctor ordered. Preston, on the other hand, struggled badly towards the end of last season, and their home form was equally disappointing.
While there's still room for improvement in United's squad, their current lineup is formidable. New signings O'Hare, Moore, and Burrows add further depth and quality to the team. If they can carry their positive momentum from pre-season into the league, a winning start looks likely.
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