Sheffield United striker James Beattie is pushing for a start against Preston at Deepdale on Saturday after shaking off a groin injury.Beattie, who has scored 15 goals this season, was sidelined for the Blades' 1-0 win against Barnsley last weekend and could return to partner Billy Sharp up front.

United have no other fresh injury or suspension worries as they head into the game against resurgent North End looking for their fifth win in a row.

Defender Chris Armstrong is still on the injury list after undergoing surgery on his groin last week, while Danny Webber (knee) and Nick Montgomery (broken metatarsal) are also long-term absentees.

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