The EFL Championship kicks off its 2024-25 season with an exciting clash between Preston North End and Sheffield United at Deepdale.
Both teams are eager to make a strong start to the campaign after disappointing endings last season.
Match Preview
Preston North End's Recent Form
Preston North End, under the guidance of manager Ryan Lowe, concluded the 2023-24 season in 12th place.
Despite hopes for a playoff push, a late-season collapse saw them lose their final five matches.
Over the summer, they had a mixed pre-season, winning four out of seven fixtures, including a notable victory over Liverpool.
However, they also suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to Everton in their last friendly match.
Sheffield United's Challenges and Preparations
Sheffield United faced a tough 2023-24 season, finishing 20th in the Premier League and getting relegated.
New manager Chris Wilder aims to rejuvenate the squad and secure promotion back to the top flight.
Despite ownership and financial issues leading to a two-point deduction, the Blades had a solid pre-season with four wins and one draw.
Team News
Preston North End
Preston hopes to have first-choice goalkeeper Freddie Woodman fit after his recent illness.
New signings Stefan Teitur Thordarson, Sam Greenwood, and Kaine Kesler-Hayden are all in contention to make their debuts.
Key players like Robbie Brady and top scorer Will Keane are expected to play crucial roles.
Sheffield United
Sheffield United has injury concerns with new signings Kieffer Moore and Sam McCallum doubtful, and Jamie Shackleton out.
Wilder has switched to a 4-2-3-1 formation, and new additions Harry Souttar, Alfie Gilchrist, Harrison Burrows, and Callum O'Hare may feature prominently.
Predicted Lineups
Preston North End
Woodman; Whatmough, Lindsay, Hughes; Potts, Whiteman, Ledson, Brady; Greenwood, Riis; Keane
Sheffield United
Grbic; Seriki, Ahmedhodzic, Souttar, Burrows; Souza, Arblaster; Brooks, O'Hare, Hamer; Brewster
Prediction and Analysis
Head-to-Head and Recent Meetings
Preston has struggled against Sheffield United, failing to win any of their last six encounters.
Additionally, they have not won their opening league match in the past five seasons.
Sheffield United has a similar record, with only one opening day victory in the last ten seasons.
Key Factors and Players to Watch
For Preston, Robbie Brady's creative play and Will Keane's goal-scoring ability will be crucial.
Sheffield United will rely on the defensive solidity of Souttar and the attacking prowess of Rhian Brewster.
Score Prediction
Given the teams' form and preparations, a closely contested match is expected.
A 1-1 draw seems likely, as both teams aim to avoid an opening day defeat and build momentum for the season ahead.
Sheffield Utd 
Preston NE 
