What channel is Preston North End v Sheffield United on? TV and live stream details plus team news for Championship clash

Deepdale is the venue as Preston North End host Sheffield United in the EFL Championship. (Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)Deepdale is the venue as Preston North End host Sheffield United in the EFL Championship. (Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)
Deepdale is the venue as Preston North End host Sheffield United in the EFL Championship. (Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Preston North End begin their 2024/25 Championship season by hosting Sheffield United at Deepdale.

Another season of football in the second tier gets underway this week, with PNE hoping that this can be the year that they break in to the top six. Their first opponents Sheffield United have come down from the Premier League and will provide a tough first test for Ryan Lowe’s side.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of kick-off.

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When is Preston North End v Sheffield United?

Preston North End and Sheffield United face off on Friday, August 9, and get things underway at 8.00 pm.

Can I get tickets for Preston North End v Sheffield United?

Tickets are still available to buy online on Preston North End’s e-ticketing service. Alternatively, you can buy tickets upon arrival. The Blades were allocated 3,496 tickets for this match, and were priced at £30 for adults, £25 for Senior's, £20 for Under-23s, £15 for Under-19s, £10 for Under-14s and £5 for Under-11's.

Will Preston North End v Sheffield United be on TV and can I stream it?

Yes. In what will be a first for Sky Sports, this match will be shown on Sky Sports +, a new streaming service. Sky Sports + is a new channel, and if you press the red button, you should get the option of choosing the game. Sky Sports+ can be found on channel number 410 for Sky Glass Customers and 412 for Sky Q customers, whilst those in the Republic of Ireland it is on 416. If you're out on the go then you can watch your team on the Sky Sports app.

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For instant, access to all Sky Sports channels with no contract required, non-Sky subscribers can purchase a NOW Sports Day or Month Membership. It's £14.99 for a Day Membership, £26 for a Six-Month Saver Membership and £4.99 for a Flexible Month Membership, which is no contract and it can be cancelled any time.

Preston North End v Sheffield United team news

Ali McCann (calf) and Layton Stewart (thigh) are set to miss out. McCann has had an injury that has flared up during pre-season and so he's getting up to speed after missing their friendly matches. Layton Stewart is similar and will now have to work hard to get that time back.

First choice goalkeeper Freddie Woodman trained on Thursday and will be assessed closer to kick-off. He had a muscle injury complaint last week, and that ruled him out for their final few pre-season games. David Cornell deputised in his absence but the former Newcastle United goalkeeper will have every chance to play.

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“Freddie’s training,” said Lowe. “We’ll see how he reacts tomorrow. It wasn’t massively concerning at the time, so we shut him down, wrapped him up in cotton wool and he’s training today. So, if he comes through that, in terms of how he feels and presents tomorrow, then hopefully we will have him available.”

Kaine Kesler-Hayden could be in line to make his debut after joining on loan from Aston Villa. The 21-year-old has had loans at Swindon Town, MK Dons, Huddersfield Town and Plymouth Argyle, and fills in the role of wing-back, which is an area which has been a priority for Lowe in the transfer market.

Sheffield United have done some transfer business ahead of the game. Alfie Gilchrist who was linked with a move to PNE has joined the Blades on loan from Chelsea on a season-long loan. Leicester City have also loaned them centre-back Harry Souttar and so they have a strong foundation at the back. They have also sold forward William Osula to Newcastle United for a reported £15m.

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Summer signing Kieffer Moore is fit but fellow summer arrival Jamie Shackleton is out on the sidelines with a knee injury for two to three weeks. Sam McCallum has a slight injury issue that he has been contending with but he might be fit enough to challenge Harrison Burrows for a starting berth.

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