Preston vs Sheffield

For Preston, Devine Alfie is a key link in attack: across his last two games he averaged 2.5 key passes and 2.5 shots, but only 0.5 shots on target and no big chances created. Sheffield can look to Brereton Diaz Ben, who scored once in his last three games, to finish, with Donovan Romelle offering a dribbling outlet after averaging 2.67 successful dribbles over that window. Their split between finishing and carrying could trouble Preston’s defense; whether Devine can turn his involvement into greater attacking output is the home-side counter.

Preston’s last five brought no wins, 0.4 goals for and 2.4 against per game, worse than its season rates of 0.77 for and 2.08 against. Its last five at home were less leaky: 1W-1D-3L with 0.8 scored and 1.4 conceded per game. Still, home has not solved the scoring problem. Preston averaged 1.4 shots on target and 35.0% possession over its last five; against Stoke it managed three shots and none on target. Six second-half goals conceded across its last five home games add another vulnerability.

Sheffield’s season record is 5W-4D-4L, with 1.31 goals for and 1.15 against per game. Its last five were stronger: 3W-1D-1L, three clean sheets, and 1.6 goals scored against 0.8 conceded per game, alongside 5.0 shots on target per game. The 13 shots and four on target against Wrexham offer a route to pressure Preston’s low possession and shot-on-target output. But Sheffield’s last five away were 2W-3L, with 1.2 goals for, 1.4 against and a -0.2 margin. Tenth place alone does not make its away form reliable.

The last four meetings are level at two wins apiece for Preston, with six goals for and seven against; Preston also failed to score twice. Its two-match winning streak is a pattern, but the average margin is -0.2, hardly evidence of sustained dominance. Current form points elsewhere: Preston has no wins and 0.4 goals per game in its last five, while Sheffield has three wins and three clean sheets over the same window. Present attacking and defensive evidence matters more than assuming the head-to-head streak repeats.