Preston North End predicted team vs Sheffield United as big selection decision in store

Preston North End kick-off their 2024/25 Championship campaign at home to Sheffield United.

The Lilywhites face the relegated Blades at Deepdale, in one of the two Friday night fixtures in the Championship. New signings are set to feature for both teams - Kaine Kesler-Hayden became PNE’s third recruit of the summer this week, after the July captures of Sam Greenwood and Stefan Thordarson.

On the injury front, Preston are sweating over the fitness of number one goalkeeper Freddie Woodman - who missed the final two pre-season friendlies of the summer, against Salford City and Everton, due to a muscle injury. Midfielder Ali McCann and striker Layton Stewart are both doubtful due to calf and thigh issues - though both are back on the grass.

The main selection headaches for Ryan Lowe come in midfield, where competition is strong - despite the absence of McCann. Fighting for a start are captain Ben Whiteman, Ryan Ledson, Mads Frokjaer, Duane Holmes, Greenwood and Thordarson. Lowe tinkered between a midfield three and ‘box’ in pre-season.

If PNE’s boss packs the midfield, one of Will Keane or Emil Riis will likely lead the line. If it’s a trio, then those two could partner each other up front - though Milutin Osmajic is back fit now and available for selection too. In defence, Lowe is likely to stick with his back three of Jordan Storey, Liam Lindsay and Andrew Hughes - with Brad Potts and Robbie Brady as wing-backs. With Kesler-Hayden having only arrived on Wednesday, a start would come as a surprise on Friday night.

Predicted PNE XI vs Sheffield United: Dai Cornell; Jordan Storey, Liam Lindsay, Andrew Hughes, Brad Potts, Ben Whiteman, Ryan Ledson, Robbie Brady, Mads Frokjaer, Will Keane, Emil Riis.