MY ACCOUNT
– Third bottom host second top at Bloomfield Road
– Sheffield United go in search of a fifth consecutive league win
– Recommended bet: Sheffield United win to zero
Sheffield United go into Thursday’s clash away to Blackpool (20:15) sat second in the Championship and with their sights firmly set on a return to the top flight.
The Blades have spent the last couple of years outside the Premier League, but the South Yorkshire club’s current form suggests they could be heading back to the promised land.
Blackpool’s priorities are much different, with the Tangerines currently in the bottom three and just looking to keep their place in the second tier.
Although there have been signs of improvement from the Seasiders in recent weeks, there looks to be a big gulf between the two sides — 22 points to be exact!
Team news
Blackpool will be without Jordan Thorniley for the visit of the Blades after the defender was shown a red card in the Boxing Day 1-1 draw at Hull.
The 26-year-old had come on as a second-half substitute for Luke Garbutt, but lasted just seven minutes before being sent off.
Dominic Thompson is one defensive option who could start on Thursday after he replaced on-loan Leeds man Ian Poveda-Ocampo in the draw on Humberside.
Meanwhile, the visitors will also be missing a suspended defender after John Egan was sent off in their win over Coventry on Monday.
The experienced Chris Basham is expected to replace the Republic of Ireland international in a three-man defence, which is also likely to include Ciaran Clark and Anel Ahmedhodzic.
The stats
It is now seven games without a league win for Michael Appleton’s Blackpool, although they have picked up three draws in their last three fixtures.
In stark contrast, Sheffield United have won four on the spin and Paul Heckingbottom’s side have lost just five of their 24 Championship matches to date.
The Blades’ success has been built around a solid backline, with the Yorkshiremen having the best defensive record in the division — conceding just 21 goals in 24 games.
They have also been prolific at the other end of the pitch, scoring 41 times — a record bettered only by league leaders Burnley.
The big concern for Appleton will be Blackpool’s home record, with just two wins in the last 10 league matches at Bloomfield Road. The Tangerines have also failed to find the net in their last three on home soil.
Sheffield United have been impressive on their travels, winning their last four on the road and conceding just one goal during that run — keeping clean sheets at West Brom, Bristol City and Cardiff.
Prediction
The form guide does not make good reading for Blackpool and neither do the head-to-head stats, with the Seasiders winning just one of their last seven meetings with the Blades.
The last two encounters between the teams at Bloomfield Road finished 0-0, but it looks likely that Sheffield United will find their way to the Blackpool goal this time considering their recent form.
A Blades win to zero, which can be backed at 7/4 with LiveScore Bet, looks to be the way to go here, whilst it may also be worth looking at the card markets.
The hosts are currently sat bottom of the Championship’s disciplinary rankings, with 45 yellow cards and four reds so far this season.
A Match Special of Sheffield United to win, the Blades to take the most corners and Blackpool to receive the most cards can be backed at 9/2 with LiveScore Bet.
