Middlesbrough vs Sheffield Utd prediction: ENGLAND: Championship betting tips on match 2022-08-13 13:00.
With concerns over squad depth rumbling on, things finally look to be moving on the transfer front for Middlesbrough with the arrival of striker Matthew Hoppe during the week. A largely second string XI took to the field in a cup defeat against Barnsley in midweek (1-0), which was almost symptomatic of Boroâs form across the last ten Championship rounds (W2, D3, L5), a run which must improve if they are to justify their promotion credentials.
This matchup takes on extra significance for Sheffield-born Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder, who faces his former employers and boyhood club for the fourth time as an opposing manager. With a 100% losing record across the previous three encounters, donât expect any sentiment from Wilder, whose Boro side are still seeking their first league win of 2022/23.
Fellow top-six hopefuls Sheffield United have enjoyed a better start to the campaign with a win and a loss in league action, but this could be a pivotal clash in the race for the top six if the bookiesâ pre-season promotion picks are to be correct. But with the Blades having the disadvantage of a midweek cup clash against West Brom, theyâve had a day less to prepare for this clash compared to opponents Boro.
Scoring goals at the Riverside doesnât often come easy for Sheffield United, who have lost âto nilâ on each of their last four visits to Teesside. However, a Sunday match could bring some good fortune, as Sheffield United boast a five-game unbeaten run of Championship games on this weekday, scoring at least twice each time (W4, D1).
Players to watch: Middlesbroughâs 2021/22 top-scorer Matt Crooks got off the mark for this season with a goal and an assist in his last league appearance and assisted in this corresponding fixture last term. As for the Blades, Iliman Ndiaye scored his teamâs opener in six of his seven scoring senior appearances.
Hot stat: Wilder has won six of his last seven league encounters against sides heâs formerly managed, though the latest H2H was the only defeat in that sequence.