Sheffield Utd vs Blackburn prediction: ENGLAND: Championship betting tips on match 2022-08-19 14:00.
Despite a lengthy injury list, Sheffield United have found some good early-season form, with Wednesday’s hard-fought 2-1 win over Sunderland their third consecutive Championship game unbeaten (W2, D1) since the opening day defeat against Watford. It’s a run that has attracted attention as they bid for another tilt at a top-seven finish, with clubs such as AC Milan reportedly interested in key midfielder Sander Berge.
Manager Paul Heckingbottom says that the midfielder won’t leave for anything less than £35 million as he focuses on a second home game in four days for the Blades. Yet to trail at any point here this term (W2), making Bramall Lane a fortress could be key for Sheffield United’s promotion chances and any improvement on last year’s form here (W13, D5, L5) would be welcomed.
After setting the early Championship pace, Blackburn Rovers (W3, L1) saw their perfect start undone by Reading on Wednesday when they were soundly beaten 3-0. One defeat shouldn’t derail a season, but manager Jon Dahl Tomasson was thoroughly unimpressed. “We need a reaction on Saturday…this was a step backwards,” he said after they failed to make anything of dominating possession.
That was their sixth consecutive league away game to feature over 2.5 goals (W3, D1, L2), so whether the Dane likes it or not, Blackburn’s entertainment value on the road remains high. However, most of the goals in recent H2Hs here have come against them as they’re winless at Bramall Lane since January 1994 (D1, L5), a day when a certain Alan Shearer netted twice.
Players to watch: That man Berge scored in three of Sheffield United’s last four home matches, twice between the 20th and 25th minute, while Lewis Travis struck after half-time in two of Blackburn’s last four Championship away games.
Hot stat: Half of Blackburn’s league goals this term (three) came between the 31st minute and half-time.