'Heckingbottom will understand Blades' qualities' - Wilder

Sheffield United will welcome back former boss Paul Heckingbottom when he brings his Preston North End side to Bramall Lane on Saturday (15:00 GMT).

The match will mark the first time Heckingbottom has returned to the stadium since he departed the club in December 2023.

Heckingbottom was in charge for two-and-a-half years as interim and then permanent manager, leading the Blades into the Premier League in 2023.

"Paul will understand the qualities we've got, just as much as we understand how difficult an opponent Preston North End are going to be," Blades boss Chris Wilder told BBC Radio Sheffield.

"They are stubborn, they've got some good players."

Left-back Rhys Norrington-Davies has sustained a new groin injury while in action with the under-21's squad and won't be available for at least three games.

The Wales international has struggled for fitness throughout the season, making just 14 appearances for the Blades in this Championship campaign.

"He's planted his right foot and it's just an innocuous block tackle that's just tweaked something in the groin area," Wilder added.

"He had to go with the tackle; it's nothing to do with previous injuries, nothing to do with his attitude, nothing to do with him being unprepared.

"He's just been really unfortunate."

You can listen to Wilder's full press conference on the Blades Heaven podcast.