Preston North End FC - Sheffield Wednesday ai prediction 01.01.2026 Championship

Preview for Match: Preston North End vs Sheffield Wednesday

On January 1, 2026, the Championship encounter between Preston North End and Sheffield Wednesday will take place at Deepdale, commencing at 16:00. This matchup is crucial for both teams, with Preston North End currently seated in a commendable fifth position on the table, having accumulated 31 points from 19 matches. Their record of 8 wins, 7 draws, and 4 defeats reflects a robust performance thus far, with a goal tally of 26 scored and 20 conceded. Playing at home has proven advantageous for Preston, where they have secured 5 wins, 3 draws, and 2 defeats.

Conversely, Sheffield Wednesday finds itself in a precarious position at the bottom of the table, occupying the 24th spot with only 8 points. Their dismal record of just 1 win, 5 draws, and 13 defeats, alongside a goal differential of 14 scored against 37 conceded, starkly contrasts with that of their opponents. The Owls have struggled particularly in away fixtures, managing only 1 win, 3 draws, and 5 defeats on the road.

Historically, the last meeting between these two teams ended in a 3-2 victory for Preston North End, reinforcing their dominance in recent encounters. Furthermore, the head-to-head record over the last five meetings shows Preston with 3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 win for Sheffield Wednesday. This match presents a significant opportunity for Preston to solidify their position in the playoff spots, while Sheffield Wednesday desperately seeks to revive their season.

Our Betting Tip for Preston North End vs Sheffield Wednesday

Considering the current form and statistics, our betting tip for this match leans heavily towards a home victory for Preston North End (Tip 1). The odds for this outcome are favourable, with Betika offering odds of 1.58. Given Preston's strong home record and Sheffield Wednesday's struggle for form, the likelihood of a home win appears promising.

As a secondary tip, we believe that both teams might find the net, making "Both teams to score: Yes" a reasonable prediction, with odds of 1.86 available at Premier Bet. This is based on Preston’s attacking capabilities combined with Sheffield Wednesday’s tendency to concede goals.

Our tips

Double Chance

X2

Preston North End have drawn or lost 4 of their last 5 matches.

Sheffield Wednesday have won or drawn 2 of their last 5 matches.

Top odds at Betway

1X2

Draw

Preston North End have drawn 4 of their last 5 matches.

Sheffield Wednesday have drawn 2 of their last 5 matches.

Top odds at 1xBet

Total Goals

Over 1.5

There have been over 1.5 goals scored in 4 of Preston North End's last 5 matches.

There have been over 1.5 goals scored in 5 of Sheffield Wednesday's last 5 matches.

Top odds at Betway

AI Prediction for Preston North End vs Sheffield Wednesday

In analysing the two teams' performances and statistics, the AI prediction suggests a high probability of a home win for Preston North End. The expected scoreline is likely to be 2-1 in favour of Preston, taking into account their recent form and goal-scoring ability. Sheffield Wednesday’s defensive frailties could allow Preston to capitalize and secure the three points essential for their playoff aspirations.

Preston North End Performance Check

Under the guidance of coach Paul Heckingbottom, Preston North End has shown commendable resilience and tactical discipline. Their recent form has been relatively stable, with 1 win and 4 draws in the last five matches across all competitions, indicating a solid defensive structure. The team has been able to maintain a goal difference of +6, showcasing their ability to both score and defend effectively. As they prepare for this match, the confidence derived from their home performances will be crucial in their quest for victory.

How is the Current Performance of Sheffield Wednesday?

Sheffield Wednesday, led by coach Henrik Pedersen, is enduring a challenging season, reflected in their current position at the bottom of the table. The team has not registered a victory in their last five matches, accumulating 2 draws and 3 losses. Their form shows a struggle not only to win but also to defend effectively, with a concerning goal difference. The Owls will need to find a way to galvanize their squad and put forth a competitive performance against a formidable Preston side.

Last Direct Match

The most recent encounter between Preston North End and Sheffield Wednesday concluded with a thrilling 3-2 victory for Preston, further establishing their dominance in the fixture.

Head-to-Head Last Direct Meetings

In the last five meetings between these two sides, Preston North End has emerged victorious on three occasions, with one match ending in a draw and Sheffield Wednesday securing one win. This trend indicates a significant advantage for Preston in this rivalry.

Performance Last 5 Matches

In their last five matches, Preston North End has seen 1 victory, 4 draws, and no defeats, indicating a steady performance. Conversely, Sheffield Wednesday has struggled without a win, recording 0 victories, 2 draws, and 3 losses.

Performance

Preston North End

Last games

Preston North End performance of the last 5 home matches

Victories

20%

Over 2.5

40%

Sheffield Wednesday

Last games

Sheffield Wednesday performance of the last 5 away matches

Victories

0%

Over 2.5

40%

Last Match Results

Preston North End played to a 0-0 draw against Stoke City in their last outing, while Sheffield Wednesday managed a 2-2 draw against Hull City.

Best Odds and Our Betting Tip

The best odds available for a Preston North End victory (Tip 1) stand at 1.58 with Betika. Our experience with various betting sites indicates that this is a favourable opportunity for punters. For those seeking a more comprehensive analysis, you can explore the best betting sites in our bookmaker comparison.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Preston North End appears to be the clear favourite heading into this fixture against Sheffield Wednesday. Their solid home form, combined with the visitors' struggles, lends credence to the prediction of a home victory. The anticipated scoreline could be 2-1, reflecting both teams' capabilities but favouring Preston’s strength at home.

Here are the best betting tips for tomorrow, as the Championship action continues with exciting fixtures that promise to deliver thrilling football moments.