Stoke vs Sheffield Utd prediction: ENGLAND: Championship betting tips on match 2022-10-07 14:00.
Stoke City salvaged some pride against promotion hopefuls Burnley in midweek, grinding out a 1-1 draw at Turf Moor, but despite that positive result the Potters have collected just two wins in their last ten league outings. They clearly reacted to Alex Neil’s scathing criticisms in the aftermath of a 4-0 loss to Watford in their last outing at the Bet365 Stadium, with Stoke approaching kick-off on the cusp of going five home games without victory (D2, L2).
The odds are against Stoke once more, facing a Sheffield United side who again look set to challenge for automatic promotion. Yet Stoke have thrived as the underdog in league action since the start of last term (W9, D5, L8), with their final 44% win rate from applicable games during 2021/22 ending up being bettered only by promoted Bournemouth.
Table-topping Sheffield United’s hopes of surging back into the Premier League at the second time of asking hit a roadblock in midweek. Yet despite that 1-0 loss against QPR, the Blades current tally of 24 points is just one less than they had after their opening dozen league matches during the successful promotion season of 2018/19.
A perfect return from three September road trips with no goals conceded only further strengthens Sheffield United’s hopes of retaining their place at the summit. A significant distinction could also await Paul Heckingbottom’s men, as April 1996 marks the last time any Blades side completed a run of four straight second-tier away wins.
Players to watch: Tyrese Campbell could lead the line for Stoke, and he is unbeaten in his last four goalscoring Championship games (W2, D2). Also eager to prove himself is Rhian Brewster, who will be eyeing up a start in lieu of the suspended Oli McBurnie. Three of his four goals last term were decisive openers.
Hot stat: None of the 14 second-tier H2Hs played this century have seen both teams score before half-time.