Preston North End Vs Sheffield United
Coca-Cola Championship Saturday 29th March 2008
After the derby day delight, Preston Manager Alan Irvine has targeted just another four more points to ensure his side are playing Championship football next season. Three of those points could come against Sheffield United, who themselves are on a mini revival after some poor form in the early stages of the season. Since Kevin Blackwell took over the vacant mangers seat at Bramall Lane, the Blades have lost just one league game and have won their last 4 games on the trot. Couple this with North End's own unbeaten run of 5 games and you have the ingredients for a well contested game.
Sheffield United currently occupy 12th place with 53 points, meaning that a win for North End could see them leapfrog the Blades on goal difference and would surely then see the Lilywhites edge away from the relegation dog fight below them. However, should the points go the other way, it would see the Blades move increasingly closer to those play-off places that they currently have their eye on. Something that looked nearly impossible before Kevin Blackwell took over in February.
Previous Meetings
When North End visited Bramall Lane earlier in the season, the game ended in a 1-1 draw. A result that I am sure both managers would be satisfied with come 5pm on Saturday. Darren Carter put the visitors ahead after just over a half an hour but was later cancelled out by a James Beattie penalty in the last ten minutes.
Prior to this we have to go to the 2005/2006 season as Neil Warnock and his Sheffield United team enjoyed Premiership football, albeit just for one season. United's last visit to Deepdale, back in December 2005, saw a 0-0 draw as North End failed to seek revenge following the 2-1 defeat at Bramall Lane earlier on that season. A goal in stoppage time in the first half from Neil Shipperly and a 93rd minute winner from Danny Webber sent North End back to Lancashire without a solitary point for their endeavours.
In total Preston have played Sheffield United 94 times dating back to the late 1800's. Preston have beaten United a mere 29 times compared to the 41 victories that the Blades have enjoyed.
Team News
Right back Michael Hart has stated recently that he is fit enough to be selected after recovering from a hip injury so may feature in the 16 man squad should Irvine deem it necessary. With no new injury worries or suspensions, the same team that beat rivals Burnley last Saturday is more than likely to be fielded again this week.
Following Billy Sharps recent good form, he is expected to start upfront alongside James Beattie as they look to test the North End backline.