Sheffield United vs Middlesbrough
1st January 1230hrs
Football – England – EFL Championship
Pick Draw & BTTS
Bookmaker Unibet
Odds: 15/4 odds taken 1108 GMT, Friday 31 December
Paul Heckingbottom’s Sheffield United and Chris Wilder’s Middlesbrough meet in an EFL Championship cracker at Bramall Lane on Saturday afternoon. Both teams start 2022 in excellent form, and this one in the Steel City could go either way. However, the Blades, who have won four in a row, are the bookies’ favourites on home soil. Read our in-depth betting preview for the latest odds and best predictions.
Table of Contents
Sheffield United Preview – Can the Blades make it five wins in a row?
Sheffield United made a poor start to their season under experienced manager Slavisa Jokanovic, who was brought to Bramall Lane to get the club back to the Premier League at the first time of asking. Despite a 1-0 win at Reading in late November, Jokanovic was sacked.
The club acted swiftly to bring Paul Heckingbottom back. Heckingbottom was in charge of the Blades for a period in the Premier League last term. United have started well under their new manager, winning three in a row to fire themselves into play-off contention.
After consecutive victories over Reading, Bristol City, Cardiff City and Fulham, Sheffield United would love to make it five in a row on New Year’s Day. They are the bookies’ favourites to do so at 11/10.
Middlesbrough Preview – Will Boro stretch unbeaten run to seven?
Former Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder took over at Middlesbrough in November. It took a couple of games for Wilder to settle into his new surroundings, but Boro are bang in form right now.
After starting with a draw with Millwall and a home defeat to Preston North End, Middlesbrough have gone on an impressive six-game unbeaten run. They have picked up wins over Huddersfield Town, Swansea City, Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest and Blackpool, and drawn with Stoke City.
Don’t miss out on other Betting Tips & Predictions
Click here for more Betting Tips
Middlesbrough’s improved form has put them right back into the play-off picture. After the victory over Blackpool on Wednesday, Wilder’s boys moved into fifth. Can they keep their momentum ticking with a positive result at Bramall Lane on New Year’s Day?
Sheffield United vs Middlesbrough Betting Advice
A lot has changed at both clubs since they locked horns at the Riverside Stadium back in September. First-half goals from Duncan Watmore and Paddy McNair gave Neil Warnock’s Boro a comfortable 2-0 home victory over Slavisa Jokanovic’s Blades.
When these two last met at Bramall Lane, a Richard Stearman goal was enough to give United a 1-0 home win back in February 2019. Sheffield United went on to secure promotion to the Premier League at the end of the campaign.
Key Facts – Sheffield United vs Middlesbrough Betting Tip
- Sheffield United have won four in a row
- Middlesbrough have taken 16 points from the last 18 on offer
- Boro won the reverse fixture at the Riverside Stadium three months back
This exciting Championship clash promises to be a cracker. Sheffield United are in terrific form after winning four on the spin, while Middlesbrough have dropped just two points from their previous six. We are struggling to pick a winner, so take a punt on the draw and both teams to score (15/4).
Veteran striker Billy Sharp has scored two in his last three for the Blades. Put some money on the 35-year-old to score the opening goal of this one at 5/1.
The best betting odds for Sheffield United vs Middlesbrough
Sheffield United to win: 11/10 at Bet365
Draw: 23/10 at Bet365
Middlesbrough to win: 5/2 at Bet365
