Sheffield United v Sunderland

These Friday night Championship top-of-the-table clashes really start the weekend off nicely. We’ve already seen Leeds v Sheffield United and Sunderland v Leeds kickstart the Championship game week, and this Friday we’re treated to Sheffield United in second against Sunderland in fourth.

Chris Wilder’s Blades would be sitting at the summit but for a two-point deduction, who looks to be building his side towards a promotion back to the Premier League, just like during his first spell in charge.

Sunderland were the division’s early leaders but have stalled a little over the last few weeks. Regis Le Bris has had to navigate his side through injury and suspension issued to key players. They are unbeaten in five, but also winless as they were all draws.

⭐ Sheffield United v Sunderland Best Bets

Sheffield United have the second-best defence in the Championship based on goals conceded, as well as the third-lowest xG against according to FotMob.

From eight home games this season, The Blades have won their last seven, all to nil, and drawn one. Only two of those were against current top-half sides, so this will be Sheffield United’s biggest home test so far.

Sunderland have struggled for goals of late, with just three scored in their last five games. Despite missing key players such as Dennis Cirkin, Alan Browne, and Romaine Mundle, they have still proven hard to beat with five draws in a row. I have a feeling home advantage will be pivotal in this one, and the Blades will win to nil.

👕 Sheffield United v Sunderland Predicted XI

🔍 Sheffield United v Sunderland Players to Watch

⚫ Patrick Roberts

The former Celtic winger came back into the side this week on the right-hand side, having returned from a suspension as the result of 5 yellows cards.

He is likely to have to deal with Harrison Burrows, who has drawn 4 yellow cards this season, and Gus Hamer who has drawn 2, down his side. He may even occasionally have to handle Callum O’Hare, who drifts around from a free role. 

Roberts is averaging 0.37 per 90, and yet we can get 11/2 for him to be shown a card. 

Sheffield United v Sunderland

Friday 20:00

Patrick Roberts to be Shown a Card

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🔴 Gus Hamer

The Dutch midfielder has scored four goals so far this season, making him The Blades 2nd highest-top scorer in the league,

He has taken 41 shots in total, 16 of which were on target at a rate of 1.23 per 90. He is likely to play from the left and be up against Luke O’Nien, who is perhaps more comfortable playing at centre-back. 

Hamer to have a shot on target is just shy of Evens so looks decent value.

Sheffield United v Sunderland

Friday 20:00

Gus Hamer to have 1+ Shots on Target

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📂 Sheffield United v Sunderland Cheat Sheet

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We have a full range of player prop bets available for this weekend’s games including our Player Shots on Target Tips, Mark Stinchcombe’s Card Betting Tips, Player Fouls Betting Tips, and Both Teams to Score Betting Tips, all available for free on Andy’s Bet Club

💻 Sheffield United v Sunderland Form and Tactics

Sheffield United have only lost two games this season, both away to teams in the top six. They’re not a spectacular side going forward, but they’re very difficult to expose. They have individuals such as Gustavo Hamer and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi who can create special moments, as well as in form Tyrese Campbell who has scored five goals in his last six games.

They will operate with a 4-4-1-1 formation, with most of the creation coming from wide areas, or the roaming Callum O’Hare.

Sunderland have been a bit of a surprise package this season, after falling to a 16th-place finish last term following the sacking of Tony Mowbray, and the disastrous tenure of Michael Beale. There wasn’t much fanfare over the appointment of Regie Le Bris, but he got the Black Cats off to a strong start which saw them as the early pacesetters.

That early pace has slowed in recent weeks, as injuries and suspensions have meant seven first-team regulars have missed games. They’re starting to get those players back, but will still be without their first-choice left side in Dennis Cirkin and Romaine Mundle. They will still operate with their usual 4-2-3-1 formation.

🏁 Sheffield United v Sunderland Ref Watch

• Referee: Gavin Ward
• Ward has officiated eleven Championship games so far this season.
• He has shown 4.18 yellow cards per game on average, and 0.27 red cards.
• In his last two games, he has awarded two penalties

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* I recommend waiting for confirmed team line-ups before placing any bets.

* All odds displayed correct at the time of publishing.

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