Preston North End Vs Sheffield United
Coca-Cola Championship Saturday 31st January 2009 3PM Kick-off
After such a heavy defeat, everyone connected with the club will be looking ahead to this Saturday's fixture as opposed to dwelling on the humiliation of a 4-1 drubbing in South Wales. The Deepdale faithful, more than anyone, will be hoping that such a defeat was a one-off and their side can get back on track as soon as possible.
However, Preston's next fixture is against another fellow promotion rival. Alan Irvine is going to have to work fast if he is to prepare his men sufficiently enough to overcome such a difficult challenge. United, like Preston, suffered defeat in midweek meaning that the two sides are still tied on the same points. A win for either side will put daylight between them as they both look to close in on the top three.
Sheffield United, despite the defeat to fellow Yorkshire outfit Doncaster, are on a good run of form having picked up five straight wins in all competitions prior to Tuesday night. With just one defeat in their last ten, Preston will have to have their wits about them if they are to blunt the Blades.
Previous Meetings
Preston's trip to Bramall Lane back in October resulted in a 1-0 home win with Ugo Ehiogu scoring the only goal of the game. During this period, Preston on a poor run of form having only picked up one win in their previous six matches.
However, when the Blades visited Deepdale last season, the outcome was a completely different story. At the time, Preston were in a rich vein of form and proved to be too strong for Kevin Blackwell's side. Callum Davidson put Preston ahead from the penalty on 28 minutes spot before Neil Mellor made it two just after the hour mark. United were handed a penalty of their own with three minutes to go which was converted by James Beattie. Deep into stoppage time, Neil Mellor steamed ahead to make it three, much to the sheer delight of the home fans.
A repeat of that result would go down a treat and would be the perfect way to respond to the aforementioned defeat to Swansea.
Team News
After limping off with a calf strain at the Liberty Stadium, Callum Davidson is not expected to feature on Saturday meaning that Eddie Nolan is likely to deputise. Ross Wallace's evening was also cut short as he was taken off with an ankle problem against Swansea. The former Sunderland winger's injury is understood to be not as serious as Callum's and will face a late fitness test.
Chris Sedgwick returns from suspension and could be able to force his way back into the starting eleven immediately after such a heavy defeat.