Sunderland host Sheffield United in a midweek Championship fixture with both teams looking to snap out of an erratic run in recent weeks.
Sunderland are coming off a 1-0 victory over Norwich City in their previous Championship fixture. They struck early in the encounter through Abdoullah Ba and held on despite some pressure from the hosts to see out the win.
That was a much needed win for Sunderland as it ended a run of three defeats and a draw from their last four matches across all competitions. Tony Mowbray’s men have also claimed just one win in their last four home matches with their previous fixture at the Stadium of Light ending in a 5-1 defeat to Stoke City.
One problem for Sunderland is that they will be without a few key players for Wednesday’s clash. Top scorer Ross Stewart is already a long term injury absentee while attacker Amad Diallo is now ruled out with a hamstring problem.
Sheffield United have been erratic in recent weeks, claiming three wins and suffering two defeats in their last five matches. One of those defeats came last Saturday as they were beaten 1-0 by Luton Town in their previous Championship fixture.
Although they remain second on the standings, that erratic run means Sheffield United have lost further ground on leaders Burnley as they are now 13 points off the pace. Paul Heckingbottom’s men also need to be wary of fast rising Middlesbrough who are only four points behind in second place.
One thing that will give Sheffield United some confidence as they travel to the Stadium of Light is their away form. They have lost just two of their last 12 matches on the road, claiming seven wins in that run, including a 1-0 victory at Reading in their previous away fixture.
How the bookies view it
Sheffield United have the edge among the bookies with a home win priced at 7/5 with SBK. A victory for Sunderland is valued at 11/5 by bet365 while a draw is set at odds of 23/10 by Unibet.
Recent head to head
Sheffield United have the upper hand in recent meetings against Sunderland, claiming three wins in the last four matches. The Blades also picked up a 2-1 win in the reverse fixture back in August.
Players to watch
With top scorers Ross Stewart and Amad Diallo currently sidelined, Jack Clarke could be the one to watch for Sunderland. The forward has seven Championship goals this season and is priced at 6/1 by bet365 to find the net on Wednesday.
Iliman Ndiaye could be worth keeping an eye on for Sheffield United as he looks to add to his 11 Championship goals this season. The attacker scored the only goal at Reading and is priced at 3/1 by bet365 to get on the score sheet.
Anything else catch the eye?
Both teams were on target in the reverse fixture and Wednesday’s clash can be tipped to follow a similar pattern at 4/5 with William Hill. That fixture also produced over 2.5 goals which is priced at 27/25 by Unibet while over 3.5 goals is priced at 5/2 by 10bet.
Sheffield United have grabbed the opening goal in three of the last four meetings with Sunderland and can be tipped to score first on Wednesday at 10/11 with Coral.
This England Championship match between Sunderland and Sheffield United will be played on Mar 15, 2023 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Sunderland vs Sheffield United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
