LONDON (Interstat) — A resurgent Sheffield United, fresh off its first league victory of the season, will look to continue its momentum against a Preston North End side aiming to rebound from a rare loss when the two sides meet Friday in the English Championship.

The match at Preston’s Deepdale stadium pits two teams on contrasting trajectories. Sheffield United (1-7-0) broke an eight-match league losing streak with a stunning 3-1 road win at Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday, preceded by a 1-0 victory over Watford in the EFL Cup. Despite the recent uptick, the Blades’ overall form remains dire, with a combined record of 1-8-0 across all competitions.

Preston North End (4-3-1), meanwhile, had been one of the division’s more consistent performers before a 1-0 home defeat to Birmingham City on Tuesday snapped a four-match unbeaten run in the league. Sitting comfortably in the table, Preston has lost just once in the Championship this season.

Statistical models present a conflicting outlook. Interstat’s game simulator projects a 1-1 draw, while its ELO rating system gives Preston North End a 73.60 percent probability of winning.

The Blades will hope their newfound confidence can overcome a Preston side that has been strong at home, setting the stage for a compelling Championship fixture under the Friday afternoon lights.