Preston – Sheff.Wed.

Preston are in the middle at 12^th place, but just five points far from play-off zone. They’re in the good run of results that recovered their pre-season ambitions. They have one home defeat of last nine encounters, winning top sides like Sheff.Utd. (2-1), Cardiff (3-0) and in last round Nott.Forest (3-2). I think team possess enough quality and with recent results (especially after first half display vs. Forest and 3-0 for 45 min.) they’re focused to keep the momentum and attack play-off. Defender Youl Mawene, left-back Tommy Wiliams and striker Jon Parkin are in doubt and will be assessed. Preston are unbeaten in 15 home league matches against the Wednesday.

 

Owls made a good start under new manager Alan Irvine (ex Preston), but very fast backed to their downtrend. They have four defeats in last five away games (one draw), with just one goals scored in those and ten conceded. That one draw came in the previous rounds vs. Swansea on the road. Wednesday were focused on defending, organized and eventually defended a point. Except fighting spirit, they don’t have to offer too much and I expect their same approach tonight. Additional strength will be Irvine who knows in details most of tonight’s opponent players. The Owls have failed to score in 15 Championship matches this season - more than any other team and scored 13 goals in total (just Peterborough scored less). midfielder Sean McAllister and defender Lewis Buxton are in doubt.

 

Those two clubs will have the opposite motives, but with the same intensity. Difference is Preston is actually in a good shape, while Wednesday usually struggling to keep 0-0. Quality difference is obvious, atmosphere in Preston is very good and I see them as winners. Pinnacle offer 2.07. Home win.

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Will post one gamble before the kick-off.

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Sheff Utd 1-0 Preston (agg 2-1)

Sheffield United overcame Preston to book their place in the Championship play-off final courtesy of Greg Halford's second-half header. 
An edgy game saw chances at a premium before Halford rose above Youl Mawene to power home Kyle Walker's deep cross. 
Preston threw men forward and Jon Parkin tested Paddy Kenny before Brian Howard cleared off the line from Neil Mellor's six-yard drive. 
But United held firm with some stout late defending to progress to Wembley. 
Kevin Blackwell's side were rewarded for their attacking intent and now find themselves just one game away from a return to the Premier League, two years after they were controversially relegated.

Sheff Utd: Kenny, Naughton, Kilgallon, Morgan, Walker, Howard, Montgomery, Stephen Quinn, Halford (Bromby 82), Beattie, Cotterill.
Subs Not Used: Hendrie, Lupoli, Webber, Sharp. 
Booked: Stephen Quinn, Cotterill. 
Goals: Halford 59. 

Preston: Lonergan, Jones, Mawene, St. Ledger, Nolan, Sedgwick (Mellor 72), McKenna, Nicholson (Carter 72), Wallace, Parkin, Brown (Elliott 62).
Subs Not Used: Neal, Chilvers. 
Booked: Wallace, Parkin, Mawene. 

Att: 26,354 
Ref: Alan Wiley (Staffordshire).
www.bbc.co.uk

Preston 1-1 Sheff Utd

Brian Howard's goal 21 seconds into the second half earned Sheffield United a draw in their semi-final, first-leg Championship play-off tie with Preston. 
Preston had taken a first-half lead when Sean St Ledger latched on to a free-kick to convert from close range. 
The home side almost doubled their lead but Jon Parkin headed Ross Wallace's corner against the post. 
The Blades had several chances to equalise but it was Howard's volley from 10 yards that rescued them. 
The visitors started brightly with Jamie Ward going close in the fourth minute. 
Ward received the ball with his back to goal and turned his marker superbly before firing a low drive against the outstretched legs of keeper Andy Lonergan.
Preston manager Alan Irvine: 
"There were times when we played well so that makes me positive. 
"We are still in contention and I said that was the most important thing ahead of the game. 
"We know it will be a difficult game at Brammall Lane but we've played difficult games all season and still won. 
"We hoped to test Paddy Kenny more but once we got the goal we didn't push on from there." 

Sheffield United boss Kevin Blackwell: 
"We had to make sure we went back to Brammall Lane with something to play for and we have. 
"I've got a great set of players. They didn't panic, we kept the ball well and I'm delighted with the response of the players. 
"I was disappointed with the goal but at half-time I said to the players to continue as they had left off and it was great to get the equaliser so soon." 

Preston: Lonergan, Jones, Mawene, St. Ledger, Nolan, Sedgwick, McKenna, Carter (Nicholson 70), Wallace, Parkin, Mellor (Brown 77).
Subs Not Used: Neal, Chilvers, Elliott. 
Booked: Carter. 
Goals: St. Ledger 21. 

Sheff Utd: Kenny, Walker, Morgan, Kilgallon, Naughton, Montgomery, Howard, Stephen Quinn, Halford, Henderson (Beattie 54), Ward (Lupoli 74).
Subs Not Used: Bennett, Cotterill, Bromby. 
Booked: Kilgallon, Montgomery, Lupoli. 
Goals: Howard 46. 

Att: 19,840 
Ref: Andre Marriner (W Midlands).
www.bbc.co.uk