SHEFFIELD United are already fighting for their Premier League lives and they will be desperate to halt their miserable run when they meet Manchester United on Thursday night.
Chris Wilder's men exceeded expectations last term, but this time around the Blades appear to be suffering from a serious bout of second season syndrome.
Sheffield United's prospects of survival receded further following their 3-0 defeat at Southampton on Sunday.
The Bramall Lane boys have now failed to win any of their opening 12 league games and things are unlikely to get any easier when Man United come calling.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side arrive in the Steel City on the back of a drab 0-0 draw with arch-rivals Manchester City, a derby that was devoid of quality and excitement.
Away from Old Trafford though things look much better, the Red Devils boast a remarkable 100% Premier League road record and they will fancy their chances of extending that sequence on Thursday night.
Outright Betting
Sheffield United have lost each of their last seven Premier League matches and the hosts are the unfancied underdogs here at 13/2 with William Hill, while the draw is also deemed unlikely at 18/5 with Bet 365.
A tenth top-flight away win on the trot for Manchester United is trading at a best 4/9 with Bet 365.
Betting Angles
Given the unpredictable nature of Man United this season coupled with Sheffield United's torrid start to the campaign I'm going to steer clear of the outright betting here and head to the Bet Builder market.
Combining over zero Man United goals, over 2 for corners for each team and Sheffield United to receive at least one card will present us with a backable 4/5 shot and that betting angle makes appeal.
Solskjaer's side have notched up two or more strikes in each of their last nine Premier League road trips and that does not bode well for a brittle Blades backline that have failed to record a clean sheet this season.
When digging slightly deeper it can be seen that the Red Devils have racked up three or more strikes in their last five league games away from Old Trafford so I'm more than happy to add at least one United goal to the recommended Bet Builder.
I'll also back both of these sides to hit three or more corners – both teams are averaging over five flag kicks per 90 minutes – and Sheffield United's wing-backs play a key role in Wilder's preferred system by providing width and getting crosses into the box – the Blades have hit 4+ corners in four of their last five matches.
With Sheffield United looking to breathe some much-needed life into their faltering survival bid I'm happy to add at least one Blades booking to the above-mentioned Bet Builder.
Wilder's strugglers are averaging just over one caution per game this term but I'm also going to back the Bramall Lane men to clock up at least two cards on Thursday night at 5/6 with Bet 365.
The Blades have picked up two or more bookings in 50% of their league games this season and a repeat here might prove a value bet given that referee Michael Oliver has dished out 15 cards across the last three games that he has taken charge of.
This English Premier League match between Sheffield United and Man United will be played on Dec 17, 2020 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Sheffield United vs Man United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.