Sheffield Utd vs Sunderland prediction: ENGLAND: Championship betting tips on match 2022-08-16 19:00.
Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom was content, albeit a little disappointed, after his side relinquished winning positions twice away to Middlesbrough (2-2) at the weekend. In the aftermath he acknowledged that his side “can’t catch a break” with injuries after star striker Billy Sharp was withdrawn from the match at half-time with an ankle concern, an injury that appears likely to see him miss this midweek clash with newly-promoted Sunderland.
Given that the Blades won 12 of the 14 Championship fixtures last season in which they opened the scoring (D2), landing the first punch once again would appear to leave them likely to replicate their triumphant victory over Millwall (2-0) in their first home outing of the season. There’ll be no room for complacency however, particularly as last Championship campaign Sheffield United won at home against just one of the three teams to have joined from League One (W1, D1, L1).
Sunderland’s last trip to Bramall Lane – back in 2019 – saw them eliminate the then Premier League mid-table Sheffield United out of the EFL Cup. The visitors will hope to be a thorn in United’s side yet again after making a strong start to their return to England’s second tier by taking points from each of their three fixtures to date (W1, D2). Having opened the scoring prior to half-time in all three games, they certainly won’t give Sheffield United an easy path to the home victory they desire.
Their only away trip – an upset 3-2 win at Bristol City – was led by an attacking performance from Ellis Simms and Ross Stewart that Sunderland boss Alex Neil described at the time as “unbelievable” and “brilliant”. After each found the back of the net before the break in their 2-2 weekend draw with QPR, Sunderland fans will be anticipating another strong performance from the pair here.
Players to watch: Both of Sander Berge’s goal-scoring appearances for Sheffield United this season have seen him make the scoresheet within the first half hour, whilst Simms is the only one of Sunderland’s multiple goalscorers to register first-half goals in two games this league season.
Hot streak: Sheffield United and Sunderland have both completed at least 20 consecutive matches across all competitions without having a player sent off.