Some would say that both of these sides are already down, with Preston approaching this game sat in 23rd position while Sheffield United are rock bottom of the league in 24th. Both have endured dreadful seasons and while they are not yet mathematically relegated, they both have enormous tasks on their hands to stay in the division with just five games remaining.
Preston’s form over the past few weeks has been actually very good but it’s most certainly a case of too little, too late for the Deepdale outfit. The Lilywhites have lost just once in their last six but after collecting just two points from their last three games, it would be fair to say that their form has dried off slightly as we head into the season finale. As it stands, Phil Brown’s men have collected thirty six points, meaning that seven points now keep them adrift of safety. It’s generally thought that fifty points is the mark for survival and with just fifteen points left to play for, it’s no surprise to see how Preston’s chances have been written off by many already.
Sheffield United meanwhile have endured an equally awful campaign and many of their supporters have also accepted their fate. United are actually one point worse off than their opponents meaning that eight points keep them away from safety and with so little of the season remaining, survival now seems almost impossible. A few weeks ago the Bramall Lane outfit held a slight glimmer of hope of surviving after recording two successive home victories, but since then their form has dipped again and the Blades approach this clash having lost their last three. Considering the fact that their last two games were at home, Micky Adams will be deeply frustrated and he may even be worried about his own position, despite inheriting the Blades’ problems from previous managers.
Preston’s chances in this one have been hit with something of a injury crisis as Phil Brown prepares to be without umpteen players. The likes of Leon Cort, Sean St Ledger, David Gray, Amine Linganzi and Conor McLaughlin are all on the treatment table and there are doubts that some will play again this season. Sheffield United also have plenty of concerns and Micky Adams will leave it late before making a decision on Daniel Bogdanovic, Joe Mattock and Stephen Quinn who are all doubtful through injuries. Ched Evans and Richard Cresswell are definite absentees, but Adams at least has some good news with Lee Williamson set to return to the reckoning after completing a suspension.
As for a prediction, we think this will end in a draw. Preston hold the home advantage and have the better form, but with the Lilywhites having so many injury concerns this will be no walkover. Micky Adams will demand nothing less than a battling performance from his United side and with that, we’ll predict a 2-2 score line.
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