Middlesbrough are still seeking their first win of the season as they welcome manager Chris Wilder's former club, Sheffield United in the English Championship on Sunday.
It has been a poor start to the season for Middlesbrough, who are still in search of their first win of the campaign. They have played three matches across all competitions so far, suffering two defeats and a draw in that run.
Middlesbrough’s last Championship outing was a 3-2 defeat to QPR as they fell just short of an impressive comeback after going three goals down in the first half. Chris Wilder’s men followed that up with an even more disappointing result as they were beaten 1-0 at home by League One side Barnsley in the Carabao Cup.
The problem for Middlesbrough is a lack of attacking quality as they often see plenty of possession but generally fail to trouble the goalkeeper. Matthew Hoope was drafted in to bolster the attack earlier in the week and the United States striker could be given a run-out on Sunday.
Sheffield United have not better this season having won just once in their three league and Cup matches this season. That win was a 2-0 victory over Millwall in their previous Championship fixture with Iliman Ndiaye and Sander Berge getting the goals.
The Blades were also dumped out of the Carabao Cup in midweek as they lost 1-0 to West Bromwich Albion. That result is an extension of a poor record on the road having lost five of their last six away matches, a run stretching all the way back to preseason.
Like Middlesbrough, Sheffield United have also struggled to find goals this season with the likes of Rhian Brewster and Billy Sharp looking slightly off colour. Paul Heckingbottom’s men have failed to score in their last two away matches.
How the bookies view it
Middlesbrough have the slight edge among the bookies and are priced at 13/8 by SBK to claim the win. A victory for Sheffield United is valued at 2/1 by Coral while a draw is set at odds of 9/4 by Unibet.
Recent head to head
Recent matches between Middlesbrough and Sheffield United have been evenly split with both teams claiming three wins each in the last six meetings. That run has also seen each team win their home fixture with Boro earning a 2-0 victory the last time they hosted the Blades.
Players to watch
Middlesbrough will be hoping Matthew Hoope hits the ground running following his arrival earlier in the week. The American striker is priced at 12/5 by Betfred to score on his debut while a goal for Marcus Forss is valued at 5/2 by Unibet having found the net in the defeat to QPR.
Sheffield United will be banking on Billy Sharp to rediscover his scoring touch having looked far from his best this season. Bet365 is offering odds of 11/4 on the striker to get on the score sheet on Sunday.
Anything else catch the eye?
Neither team has looked convincing going forward, so Saturday’s clash is likely to produce few goals. BTTS NO could be considered at evens with BetVictor while under 2.5 goals could also be on the cards at 8/11 with BoyleSports.
Middlesbrough have kept clean sheets in their last three home matches against Sheffield United and with the blades struggling in attack, that run is likely to continue at 21/10 with BoyleSports.
This England Championship match between Middlesbrough and Sheffield United will be played on Aug 14, 2022 and kick off at 14:00. Check below for our tipsters best Middlesbrough vs Sheffield United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
