WE'RE only a few weeks into the new Premier League season but this clash between Sheffield United and Everton already looks pivotal to the hopes of both sides after opening with three successive defeats.
Everton's nightmare start to the new campaign threatened to hit a nadir in Wednesday's Carabao Cup tie with Doncaster as they fell behind to the team propping up the entire Football League.
But the introduction of new boy Beto turned the tide in the second half, with the Portuguese striker netting the equaliser on his debut before a strike from fellow summer signing Arnaut Danjuma took the Toffees through.
Anyone who has watched Sean Dyche's side over the last year knew that reinforcements up front were going to be key to their chances of avoiding another relegation battle and fans will be hoping Beto can be their talisman.
⚽️ Bet on 🔴 Sheffield Utd v Everton 🔵 at QuinnBet – Get £35 Free Bet + 10 Free Spins
If your account has Sportsbook losses at the end of your first day's betting, QuinnBet will refund 50% of your losses as a Free Bet up to £35 (min 3 bets) Plus 10 Free online casino spins at QuinnCasino. Even if your account is up, you're guaranteed a £5 Free Bet Plus 10 Free Spins provided you place at least 1 bet of £10 or greater at the minimum odds. T&Cs apply | 18+ New UK Customers Only | BeGambleAware.org | Gamble Responsibly
✍️ Click here to open your account.
But scoring against Doncaster is different to taking on defences in the top flight and a fourth successive defeat for Everton at Bramall Lane would pile pressure on Dyche.
Sheffield United have made an even worse start to the new campaign than the Toffees, following up three successive Premier League defeats with a League Cup exit at home to minnows Lincoln City.
The Blades came close to stunning champions Manchester City last weekend, equalising late on before Rodri smashed a screamer into the top corner to seal a 2-1 win and bring up another recommended bet for our man Slips Tips.
But Paul Heckingbottom's men need to start getting some points on the board and this clash with Everton already looks like a must-win if Sheffield United are to build any kind of momentum after promotion from the Championship.
How the bookies view it
Those midweek cup ties seem to have had an impact on the odds, with Everton favourites at 6/4 with most firms and Sheffield United as big as 41/20 with BetUK. A draw could be the most likely outcome with both teams in awful form and that pays 9/4 at William Hill.
Recent head to head
These teams have only faced off four times in the Premier League since the Toffees won 3-1 in a Carling Cup tie back in 2011. Home advantage counted for nothing in those four meetings, with the away team winning each time. Everton edged a 1-0 at Bramall Lane on their last visit in 2020 but the Blades got their revenge with a 1-0 victory at Goodison later that season.
Players to watch
Benie Traore is still waiting to get off the mark for Sheffield United but the winger was on fire before that with old club Hacken, netting 12 times in his last 15 appearances for them. William Hill make him 10/3 to open his account for the Blades while McBookie have him at a tempting 7/1 for an assist.
It's hard to look past Beto for an Everton goal after his eye-catching debut in midweek. The former Udinese striker is 5/2 with Bet365 to open his Premier League account for the Toffees.
Anything else catch the eye?
This game is pretty similar to Everton's clash with Wolves last weekend as both sides also headed into that game looking to collect their first points of the season. Our man Gabriel cashed in by backing a lack of thrills at Goodison and was only denied a full house of tips when Wanderers grabbed a late winner. I wouldn't be surprised if this match was equally tight and under 2.5 goals is just 4/6 at 888Sport.
For better value, the half-time draw pays 11/10 with the same firm while McBookie price a one-goal winning margin for either side at 6/5, with that bet landing in the last three meetings.
Seven yellows were dished out in Everton's last match and the ref could be in for another busy afternoon. Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure is 15/8 with Bet365 for a card while Paddy Power price him a 7/5 just to commit over 1.5 fouls.
This English Premier League match between Sheffield United and Everton will be played on Sep 2, 2023 and kick off at 12:30. Check below for our tipsters best Sheffield United vs Everton prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
