Sheffield United vs Preston North End preview - Blades duo back in contention

Sheffield United duo Jamie Murphy and Marc McNulty will feature against Preston after overcoming illness.

Murphy was restricted to a 10-minute cameo from the bench in the Blades' impressive FA Cup win over QPR last Sunday while McNulty had to leave the pitch in the second half, but both are now fully recovered.

Chris Basham is in the middle of a three-match ban so will not feature, but James Wallace will be in the matchday squad again.

Ben Davies (foot) is not ready while boss Nigel Clough is unlikely to risk Craig Alcock (back) despite a return to training.

Jermaine Beckford will be assessed by Preston.

The on-loan Bolton striker came off in the 2-0 loss to Walsall on Wednesday night, complaining of a tight hamstring, but manager Simon Grayson hoped that was more of a precaution.

Grayson made seven midweek changes from the side which beat Norwich in the FA Cup and the likes of David Buchanan and Bailey Wright will hope to be recalled in the North End defence.

Strike pair Joe Garner and Jordan Hugill (both knee) remain the club's long-term absentees.