Bristol City vs Sheffield Utd prediction: ENGLAND: Championship betting tips on match 2022-10-31 20:00.
Mid-table Bristol City missed the opportunity to secure three wins from their most recent five Championship matches (W2, D1, L2) when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Swansea on Saturday. Whilst satisfied overall with the performance, manager Nigel Pearson believed it was further evidence that his side needs to get better at “converting their chances”. But any plans he had to correct that may have to remain on hold, with an influenza outbreak currently tearing through the squad.
Pearson confirmed that those suffering from the illness had been “taking medication to limit the effects” of their illnesses, and he will hope he can get his team as close to full strength as possible as they bid to end a three-game winless H2H run against high-flying Sheffield United (D1, L2). The last four of the meetings with the Blades saw City concede at least one goal after the 60th minute, just as they have in each of their last two Championship games (D1, L1), so the last thing they need is a virus to sap their squad of stamina.
While late goals have been Bristol City’s undoing recently, it was a quick start for Sheffield United at West Brom (2-0) on Saturday that helped them climb back into the Championship top four and end a six-game winless run (D3, L3). The Blades now have ten more points on the board than they had at this stage of last campaign, making the prospect of eclipsing last season’s playoffs berth and securing automatic promotion a realistic target.
Victory would strengthen that quest for Paul Heckingbottom’s men and see them record their fifth away victory from seven outings (L2). Strong defensive displays have been key to that run, with each of their four triumphs accompanied by a clean sheet, leaving them second only to Preston North End for Championship clean sheets on the road going into the round.
Key battle: Bristol City’s Alex Scott is proving a handful for opponents and had drawn the joint second-highest number of fouls at the conclusion of the last gameweek (38). He could be taking on Sheffield United’s Oliver Norwood who has won more tackles (36) than any other Championship player coming into the round.
Hot stat: Only Blackburn and Luton Town had led more Championship games at half-time than Bristol City this season (HT: W8, D6, L4).