MY ACCOUNT
– Sheffield United are unbeaten in seven league games going into this clash
– Hull have scored in each of their last five Championship matches
– Recommended bet: Sheffield United to win and both teams to score
Two former Premier League teams meet in Friday evening’s Championship clash at Bramall Lane as Sheffield United host Hull.
The Blades sit second in the table and are unbeaten in seven league games ahead of the visit of the Tigers, who have steadily moved away from the relegation zone.
There are 20 points separating the two sides but this clash is likely to be closer than the standings would suggest, with Liam Rosenior starting to build a platform at Hull.
Team news
Sheffield United’s recent run of form has been made all the more impressive due to the injury issues they have been dealing with, especially defensively.
Max Lowe and Jayden Bogle are two players who have returned after spells on the sidelines and are expected to start on Friday night, with Enda Stevens and George Baldock currently out.
Paul Heckingbottom is still without the likes of Oli McBurnie, Iliman Ndiaye, John Fleck and Rhian Brewster, but on-loan Manchester City midfielder Tommy Doyle is available.
A hamstring injury means the visitors will be without winger Allahyar Sayyadmanesh, while Nathan Baxter is still sidelined by a long-term problem.
The stats
The hosts have lost just twice at home in 13 league encounters at Bramall Lane and go into Friday’s clash looking for a third consecutive victory.
The Blades, who have scored in each of their last eight games in all competitions, are the second highest scorers in the Championship with 47 goals in 27 league matches.
Although there are 14 places between the two sides, there have been positive signs from Hull in recent weeks, with the Tigers unbeaten in six in the league and collecting 10 points from a possible 18.
Their away form has been particularly impressive, unbeaten in their last seven on the road in the league and five of those have been victories, including a 4-1 win at Wigan earlier this month.
The head-to-head stats certainly favour the home side, with Sheffield United unbeaten in their last five competitive meetings, winning five and drawing the other.
Prediction
Sheffield United will be strong favourites to extend their run but they face a stiff test against a Hull team that will still feel the play-offs are a target, with the Tigers seven points outside the top six.
But the South Yorkshire club should have too much for their opponents on home soil, although the absence of 10-goal striker Ndiaye will be a setback for Heckingbottom’s men.
The Blades will have their hands full with Hull frontman Oscar Estupinan, with the Colombian scoring in each of their last four Championship matches.
With both sides finding the net regularly of late, there looks set to be goals in this Friday night clash.
Therefore, it could prove fruitful to back Sheffield United to win and both teams to score, available at 23/10 with LiveScore Bet.
