Predicted Sheffield United line-up to face Preston in the Championship
Sheffield United welcome Preston North End to the Bramall Lane this weekend as Chris Wilder aims to strengthen his position in the top-six.
Sheffield United were lucky to pick up a point against Birmingham City in midweek and Wilder will hope his team puts in a better performance on Saturday.
Preston, on the other hand, are lying in the relegation places and are struggling for points. They have lost five out of eight games in the Championship but will pose a threat to United.
Team News
Paul Coutts could be in the United squad to face Preston after recovering from his broken leg. Wilder, meanwhile, has no fresh injury concerns ahead of the game.
Probable Sheffield United XI
Formation: 3-4-1-2
Manager: Chris Wilder
Dean Henderson (GK)
Henderson has been fantastic for United this season. He will hope to keep another clean-sheet but will want his team to score at the other end as well.
Chris Basham (RCB)
Basham had a poor game against Birmingham but will get a chance to redeem himself.
John Egan (CB)
Egan has been solid at the back lately and will want to continue his rich vein of form against Preston.
Jack O’Connell (LCB)
A ball-playing centre-back, O’Connell always loves to maraud forward with the ball before making an incisive pass for his teammate. He is the backbone of United’s defence and is a certain starter for the Preston game.
George Baldock (RWB)
Baldock is an attacking full-back who will look to give width to his team and supply crosses into the box.
Enda Stevens (LWB)
Stevens was on the bench against Birmingham but could be recalled into the starting XI for Saturday’s game.
Oliver Norwood (CM)
Norwood provides the bite to United’s midfield with his top-tackling abilities. He is also a fantastic passer of the ball, always willing to play forward and create chances for his teammates. He is a definite starter for the game.
John Fleck (CM)
Fleck is a very good recycler of possession, does the dirty work for his team and creates openings for his teammates.
Mark Duffy (CAM)
United’s beating heart, Duffy adds creativity and guile to the team. He is the ideal player for the No.10 role.
Leon Clarke (RS)
Clarke wasted a lot of opportunities to win it for Sheffield against Birmingham but is expected to retain his place for Saturday’s match.
Read more: Fantastic Henderson, Wasteful Clarke – The best & the worst rated Sheffield United players vs Birmingham City
Billy Sharp (LS)
Preston’s brittle defence would give Sharp enough opportunities to create and score goals. He could give the visitors a tough time with his physicality.