Sheffield United are looking to bounce back from their first defeat of the EFL Championship season but face another tricky game on the road at Middlesbrough.
Chris Wilder's side went into last Friday's clash at title favourites Leeds United in fine form but had a disappointing night as they lost 2-0 at Elland Road.
That saw them fall from second to fourth but the Blades are still handily placed to push for automatic promotion as they're just three points behind leaders Sunderland.
A win at the Riverside would get their push on track again and Middlesbrough also head into the game on a downer after losing 2-0 at home to Bristol City on Saturday.
Michael Carrick's side had been unbeaten at home in the league before that so the Boro boss will also be looking to hit back with a morale-boosting win.
Inconsistency has been Middlesbrough's biggest problem, with their 10 games so far producing four wins, four defeats and two draws. But they sit just four points off the play-off pace so a win over the Blades could spark them back to life.
How the bookies view it: Middlesbrough home free
This is a tricky one to predict and I make it a 50/50 call but Betano have Middlesbrough as their 20/21 favourites with home advantage. Sheffield United look overpriced at 5/2 and the draw pays 12/5.
Recent head to head: Boro hold the upper hand
Middlesbrough have edged it in recent years, winning six of the last 12 meetings and losing four. Both games were thrillers when they last faced off two seasons ago, with a 2-2 draw at the Riverside followed by a 3-1 Middlesbrough win in Sheffield.
Players to watch: Livewire Doak is a threat
Ben Doak looks a shrewd loan signing for Middlesbrough and the winger's spirits will be up after two decent performances for Scotland in the Nations League. The Liverpool loanee is 5/2 at Betano to grab his second Boro goal while Bet365 price him at 8/5 to either score or assist.
Gustavo Hamer has been a goal threat from midfield for the Blades, chipping in with four so far this season. He's 7/4 at Bet365 to score or assist which looks a good price.
Probable line-ups
Middlesbrough still have Jonny Howson, Darragh Lenihan, Dael Fry, Thomas Smith and Alex Bangura sidelined with injury. Tom Davies is the only absentee for Sheffield United but Wilder may make changes after that disappointing Leeds defeat.
Middlesbrough: Dieng, Van den Berg, Ayling, Edmundson, Borges, Hackney, Hamilton, Morris, Conway, Doak, Latte Lath.
Sheffield United: Cooper, Souttar, Ahmedhodzic, Norrington-Davies, Arblaster, Hamer, Burrows, Rak-Sakyi, Souza, Moore, Brewster.
Anything else catch the eye?
Going for the half-time draw paid off me in Sheffield United's loss to Leeds and that bet could easily land here with these sides evenly matched. Backing the stalemate after 45 minutes here pays 6/5 at Betfred, while backing most goals to come after the break pays 21/20 at the same firm.
Middlesbrough have conceded twice in their last two games so going for goals at both ends could pay off too. BTTS pays just 7/10 at Betano but adding on over 2.5 goals boosts the odds to 6/5 at Bet365.
Boro's last game saw eight yellow cards dished out and that makes over 42.5 booking points appealing here at 5/4 with Betfred.
This England Championship match between Middlesbrough and Sheffield United will be played on Oct 23, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. 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.
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