Preston v Sheffield United Preview

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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Sheffield United v Nottingham Forest Preview

Posted on March 08th, 2011 in English Championship

This is another of the big games this Tuesday, as a Sheffield United side battling relegation host promotion chasing Nottingham Forest. An incredible thirty points separate the two sides, which is simply amazing considering the fact that United were in the Premier League only a few years ago whereas Forest were down in League One.

Sheffield United are fast becoming the laughing stock of the division and with the club currently six points adrift of safety, it will take an incredible run to save them from the drop. What’s more, with Scunthorpe picking up three points at the weekend, they are now five points away from them in 22nd place. To compile the problems, manager Micky Adams is still searching for his first victory despite being in charge of thirteen games. The Blades head into this clash having lost their last four and with all of those opponents in the bottom half, three of which who are actually fighting the drop with them, it’s no surprise to see them in this awful predicament. Of course, there is still time to turn things round but with the likes of Forest, Leeds, QPR, Cardiff and Swansea still to play, they have an incredibly tough schedule.

Nottingham Forest meanwhile are battling at the opposite end of the table, with the City Ground outfit approaching this encounter in 5th spot. It looks as though their playoff spot is pretty secure, with six points separating them from 7th place, but Billy Davies will be aiming his sights a little higher as three points keep them from the automatic positions. However, despite their lofty position, recent form hasn’t been too impressive with the club currently on a four game winless run. Their last game saw them defeated 1-0 at home to Hull and seeing as their form at the City Ground was once their major strength, Davies will be hoping that his side aren’t about to capitulate as we approach the season finale.

Things are looking up for the home side on the team news front as Micky Adams looks to welcome back the likes of Nick Montgomery, Joe Mattock and Sam Vokes who have all been struggling with injuries in recent weeks. Adams will also be able to call on Shane Lowry, who has been suspended for the previous two games. Nottingham Forest meanwhile just have the one piece of news to report on, as Paul McKenna looks set to return after missing the last game through a knee injury.

Sheffield United may be on a dreadful run of form, but we think they will put an end to their disastrous run here. Nottingham Forest are on something of a downer and with that, we think United could scrape a 1-0 victory in this one.

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