Preston North End vs. Sheffield United

Last updated : 16 December 2017 By @blades_mad1889

Sheffield United, who are without a victory in five games will be looking for maximum points before a busy, and difficult Christmas period which sees them face Aston Villa and Sunderland in the space of a few days.
They came nightly close to victory in their last fixture at home to Bristol City. United lost 2-1 to a last minute winner after the league's top scorer Leon Clarke equalised. Fleck was sent off in that defeat to Bristol City last time out and will now serve the first part of a three-match ban this weekend.


Defender Kieron Freeman (knee) and striker Ched Evans (ankle) both remain sidelined, along with midfielder Paul Coutts who has broken his leg.


David Brooks came off the bench against Bristol City and the forward could be in line for a start.


Tenth placed Preston will be looking to catching up the top six. With three victory's and two draws they are unbeaten in five matches.


Preston boss Alex Neil has reported no fresh injury problems as they look to make it three wins in a row against Sheffield United at Deepdale.
Neil confirmed that none of North End's injury absentees - Josh Earl (knee), Tommy Spurr (knee), Greg Cunningham and Sean Maguire (both hamstring) - are ready to return yet.


Daniel Johnson, back on the bench against Burton following a one-game ban, is an option, as is Daryl Horgan, who came on to net the winner.


However, Neil has named an unchanged team for back-to-back wins so may stick with what he has.