Preston North End v Sheffield United: Squad depth is key to Blades’ play-off chase

The Blades are seeking a record 11th successive victory in all competitions at Preston tonight.

They are also on the cusp of reaching another landmark, their record of league games without conceding a goal having equalled the previous mark of seven with a shut-out in last Wednesday’s 1-0 victory over Carlisle United at Bramall Lane.

It has been the most dramatic of turn-arounds for the Blades, who were deep in relegation trouble at the start of February, but now find themselves 10th and with an outside chance of gatecrashing the play-offs.

Clough said: “It’s an unbelievable run of not just 10 victories, but nine clean sheets. I asked some of the older players if they have had a run like that in their careers and none of them have. To go from second-from-bottom to breaking records and semi-finals is unbelievable.

“You have to make the point how important the squad has been. Terry Kennedy helped us get a clean sheet against Peterborough, while Hilly (Matt Hill) has also helped and the person who started it all off was Shaun Miller, scoring in the 120th minute at Fulham, and has hardly been on the pitch since.

“We’ve got to go for it (the play-offs) as much as we can. But, even though we haven’t ruled it out, that wasn’t the focus when we came in here and we must remember that.”

Clough will assess the fitness of John Brayford ahead of tonight, with the loan defender sitting out the victory over Carlisle due to a calf problem.

Last six games: Preston DWDWWD, Sheffield United WWWWWW.

Last time: Preston 0 Sheffield United 1; October 20, 2012; League One.

Referee: G Eltringham (Tyne & Wear).