Preston North End vs Sheffield United – Preview | OneFootball

Sheffield United travel back over the Pennines on Friday night to face Preston North End at Deepdale.

Paul Heckingbottom’s side had started the season in fantastic form but two defeats in a row has since then dropped them down to 11th.

On the flip side, the Blades had a disastrous start to the campaign but two wins in a row have now seen them climb out of the bottom three and they have a chance to win all three games in their three-game week, carrying on that momentum from the 3-1 win at Blackburn Rovers.

Transfer Business

In truth, the transfer business Preston did in the summer was uninspiring. However, one thing we do know about Heckingbottom’s time with the Blades is that he can get the best out of young players, and he’s relied on some of the younger players in the summer window.

Alfie Devine, who was linked with United back in August, has netted twice and provided an assist in seven starts since joining on loan from Tottenham Hotspur. Another exciting youngster, Lewis Dobbin, on loan from Aston Villa, has found the net once and served up two assists.

Team News

Heckingbottom could again be without Robbie Brady, Will Keane, Brad Potts, Jordan Thompson and Pol Valentin on Friday evening.

The Blades have recently reintroduced midfielder Jamie Shackleton back to the bench and he’s made a couple of short sub appearances as he continues to build up his match fitness. Chris Wilder did suggest earlier in the week that Tom Davies could feature on Friday if he doesn’t make the squad at Blackburn Rovers.

Preston North End’s Impact Player For This Game

DERBY, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 20: Alfie Devine of Preston North End celebrates scoring a goal to make the score 0-1 with his team-mates during the Sky Bet Championship match between Derby County and Preston North End at Pride Park on September 20, 2025 in Derby, England. (Photo by Richard Martin-Roberts/Getty Images)

I mentioned him earlier, Alfie Devine has the skillset to impact this game on Friday night. The young Spurs midfielder does not have good progressive passing numbers, but he certainly makes up for that with his carries.

Devine, who I would define as a more attack-minded number eight, uses his athleticism to progress the ball up the field using his dribbling; he ranks in the 88th percentile compared to other midfielders in this metric. Plus, he’s always open for a pass, as evidenced by his 4.9 progressive passes received per 90 (96th percentile).

Whilst his progressive passes aren’t great, he does offer a creative spark in this aspect. 0.2 expected assists per 90 does not sound like a great deal, but that is enough to rank him in the top 15% of Championship midfielders this season.

Defensively, he is also solid. When Devine is faced with a one-vs-one, he often comes out on top, averaging a 75% win rate (95th percentile). The 21-year-old is the best in the league in terms of blocking off passing lanes (99th percentile), so it’s incredibly difficult to thread balls through the middle of the park in his vicinity.

Sheffield United’s Impact Player For This Game

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 20: Greg Docherty of Charlton Athletic is challenged by Sydie Peck of Sheffield United during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United and Charlton Athletic at Bramall Lane on September 20, 2025 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Jess Hornby/Getty Images)

Sydie Peck is still yet to score a senior goal for Sheffield United. Now how fitting would it be if he was to bag his first goal against the manager he knows extremely well having played under him for years in the development team.

Peck’s yet to score, and it’s certainly not because he doesn’t have opportunities. Peck’s 0.22 non-penalty expected goals per 90 ranks him in the 96th percentile for Championship midfielders.

While Peck is bang average in terms of progressive numbers, he does make up for that with passes into the final third (78th percentile), though these passes are often shifted out wide. Another thing Peck excels in is shot-creating actions via take-ons. Via a take-on, he ranks in the 77th percentile, showing his ability to swivel on the ball and roll his man.

With him and Djibril Soumare now seemingly having some chemistry, I expect the midfield to make giant strides now with some confidence in their step. Soumare’s existence in the side allows Peck to be freed up more as Soumare loves to do the dirty work. Though, both love the physical side of things, as seen in the scuffle at Blackburn. This can only work in United’s favour because all season they’ve lacked aggression and physicality.

My Prediction

The league table may suggest the two teams are quite far apart. However, the expected table states Preston are only 1.1 expected points better than the Blades. Offensively, both teams are similar; Preston have registered 12.4 non-penalty expected goals this season, while United have registered 12.3. Defensively, it’s the same sort of story. United have given up 13.36 non-penalty expected goals, meanwhile Heckingbottom’s men have given up 13.29.

You also have to factor in the form heading into Friday night’s kick-off. Preston have lost their last two games, but the Blades have won their last two. With this in mind, I’m confident the Blades can pick up a third win in as many games.

Stats taken from FBref and Opta.