How to Watch Preston North End v Sheffield United: TV & Radio Channels, Presenters, and Pundits Revealed for Championship Clash

Match date: 24 October 2025

How to Watch Preston North End v Sheffield United: TV & Radio Channels, Presenters, and Pundits Revealed for Championship Clash

As Preston North End and Sheffield United prepare to lock horns in the EFL Championship on Friday, 24th October 2025 at Deepdale, fans across the UK and beyond are eagerly anticipating one of the most intriguing fixtures in round 12 of the second tier. With both teams currently occupying very different positions in the table—Preston in 11th and Sheffield United fighting at 21st—the stakes are high for the Blades, who will be desperate to claw their way out of the drop zone, while Preston look to push for a playoff spot[1][4].

Where to Watch and Listen in the UK

UK football fans are spoiled for choice when it comes to following this encounter. Television coverage is available on Sky Sports Football, which remains one of the country’s premier destinations for live football entertainment. The Sky Sports News channel also provides highlights and updates throughout the evening. For those who prefer radio, the match is available on national and local airwaves, with comprehensive commentaries tailored for each set of supporters.

Television Coverage

The Sky Sports Football broadcast sets the standard for live EFL coverage, featuring a team of experienced presenters, commentators, and pundits. Julian Warren anchors the show, flanked by pundits Lee Hendrie—the former Aston Villa and England midfielder who has become a regular fixture on Sky’s EFL coverage—and Jobi McAnuff, the ex-Reading and Jamaican international winger known for his insightful tactical analysis. In the commentary box, Daniel Mann is a familiar voice to Championship fans, having covered the division for years, while co-commentator Don Goodman—a former striker with a long EFL career—offers expert match analysis. Juliette Ferrington rounds out the team as touchline reporter, bringing fans timely updates from the technical areas.

Meanwhile, Sky Sports News offers in-game analysis and highlights, with Don Goodman and Juliette Ferrington again contributing from the studio. Sky’s coverage is available in both standard and HD formats—a must for those wanting the best picture quality and production values.

Radio Options

For fans on the move, BBC Radio 5 Live covers the match for a national audience, with reporting from Nathan Albon. Local supporters can tune in to BBC Radio Lancashire, where Andy Bayes handles play-by-play and Steve Eyre—himself a former EFL manager—provides co-commentary. BBC Radio Sheffield offers a home perspective with Andy Giddings on commentary and ex-Sheffield United striker Carl Asaba on co-commentary.

Sports radio station talkSPORT 2 and its app also carry live commentary, with Mark Wilson—a seasoned football commentator—joined by Courtney Sweetman-Kirk, a former England women’s international and now a respected pundit.

World Feed and Online Streaming

Beyond the UK, the World Feed broadcast will reach international audiences, with James Fielden on commentary. For fans wanting to follow the action online, platforms such as FotMob and Sofascore provide minute-by-minute updates, stats, and live standings, making it easy to keep track of the score, possession, and key moments from anywhere in the world[1][2].

Get to Know the Pundits and Commentators

Daniel Mann (Sky Sports)

Daniel Mann is among the most respected football commentators on British television, having covered the EFL and Premier League extensively. Known for his clear, engaging style, Mann is a regular on Sky Sports’ EFL broadcasts, as well as occasionally working for international networks. He is especially popular with Championship fans for his deep knowledge of the division.

Don Goodman (Sky Sports)

Former striker Don Goodman played for clubs including West Brom, Wolves, and Sunderland, making over 500 Football League appearances. After retiring, he seamlessly transitioned into punditry and commentary, now a staple on Sky Sports’ EFL coverage and Sky Sports News. Goodman’s articulate analysis is valued for its insight and clarity, often breaking down tactical nuances for viewers.

Lee Hendrie (Sky Sports)

Lee Hendrie represented Aston Villa and England during his playing days and remains a well-known face on Sky Sports’ studio panels. His direct style and willingness to speak his mind make him a fan favourite, especially when dissecting key moments in the Championship.

Jobi McAnuff (Sky Sports)

Jamaican international and former Reading captain Jobi McAnuff has quickly established himself as a perceptive pundit after retiring in 2019. His understanding of tactics and ability to communicate complex ideas clearly have earned him a regular spot on Sky Sports’ coverage.

Juliette Ferrington (Sky Sports)

Juliette Ferrington is one of the UK’s leading female sports broadcasters, covering major football events for Sky Sports, the BBC, and ITV. Her in-depth interviews and touchline access provide fans with a unique perspective on the game.

Mark Wilson (talkSPORT)

Long-time commentator Mark Wilson has a wealth of experience in radio football coverage, both domestically and internationally. His comprehensive knowledge of the EFL and non-league scene makes him a reliable guide for listeners.

Courtney Sweetman-Kirk (talkSPORT)

Courtney Sweetman-Kirk brings experience both as a former professional footballer—including spells at Everton and Liverpool in the Women’s Super League—and as a commentator and pundit. Her insights into the modern game are highly respected.

Andy Bayes (BBC Radio Lancashire)

A familiar voice for Preston North End fans, Andy Bayes has been leading commentary on BBC Radio Lancashire for years. His local knowledge and rapport with callers and co-commentators make the station’s coverage a trusted source for Lilywhites supporters.

Andy Giddings (BBC Radio Sheffield)

Andy Giddings is the voice of Blades fans on BBC Radio Sheffield, having covered Sheffield United’s ups and downs for over a decade. His passionate, informed commentary is a must-listen for followers of the club.

Carl Asaba (BBC Radio Sheffield)

Former Arsenal and Sheffield United striker Carl Asaba provides expert co-commentary for Blades games. His playing experience in the Premier League and Championship gives him a unique perspective on the challenges facing both sets of players.

A Closer Look at the Teams

Preston North End, currently in 11th place, have been steady if unspectacular so far this season, but with home advantage at Deepdale, they will be favourites to take three points against struggling Sheffield United[1][4]. The visitors, meanwhile, need a result to avoid further slipping down the table. Sheffield United manager will have to rally his squad, as the club’s proud history demands more than the current position suggests[1].

The head-to-head record shows Sheffield United have historically had the better of Preston, but recent seasons have seen a more even contest. Last term, the two sides played out a pair of tightly contested games, and more of the same is expected this time around[1][2]. With both teams needing the points for different reasons, the match promises to be a fascinating encounter for Championship aficionados.

How the Season is Shaping Up

The Championship is notoriously unpredictable, with the battle for promotion, playoffs, and survival often going down to the wire. Preston’s mid-table position gives them a platform to push for a playoff spot, while Sheffield United’s predicament means every point is precious. With so much at stake, this fixture is a must-watch for supporters of both clubs and neutrals alike.

Match Facts and Predictions

Deepdale, Preston’s historic home, will host the match as both clubs look to put on a show under the Friday night lights. The Lancashire derby feel may be absent, but the atmosphere is set to be electric nonetheless. Tactically, Preston are likely to try to control possession and use the width of the pitch, while Sheffield United may look to their experienced core to grind out a result on the road. Both managers will know that a win here could give their team crucial momentum as the season approaches its hectic winter period.

Where to Stream and Follow Online

For those unable to catch the action on TV or radio, Sofascore and FotMob provide live scores, detailed statistics, and minute-by-minute commentary for fans following from their smartphones or desktops[1][2]. These platforms are particularly useful for international followers, or those wanting in-depth statistical analysis alongside the match action.

The World Feed broadcast will be available to international broadcasters, with James Fielden calling the action for audiences around the globe. His commentary is known for its clarity and ability to capture the drama of the moment, making the coverage accessible to viewers regardless of location.

Conclusion

Friday night’s Championship encounter between Preston North End and Sheffield United is set to be one of the highlights of the round, with multiple ways for fans in the UK and beyond to follow every twist and turn. Sky Sports remains the go-to for live TV coverage, featuring a team of expert analysts and commentators, while BBC Radio and talkSPORT provide comprehensive audio coverage for fans on the move. With both teams having plenty to play for and a host of seasoned broadcasters bringing the action to life, this is a match not to be missed.

For more on the EFL Championship, visit EFL. To learn more about Sky Sports’ football coverage, head to Sky Sports Football. For the latest from BBC Radio, check BBC Sport Football.