MY ACCOUNT
Sheffield United are currently top dogs after an excellent start which has seen them pick up 17 points from eight games though Norwich’s five successive wins have put them just a point behind.
At the bottom, Coventry’s pitch woes mean they’re bottom after playing fewer games while last season’s beaten play-off finalists Huddersfield seem to be having a real hangover.
Swansea vs Sheffield United (Tuesday, 7.45pm)
Stats
Sheffield United look to be in a good position to challenge for promotion under Paul Heckingbottom who has built up an excellent squad during the summer.
The Blades are unbeaten in seven matches since losing at Watford on the opening day and have the league’s second-best defence, conceding only five times so far.
They secured their first away win last time out with a 2-0 success and Hull and will fancy their chances against an inconsistent Swansea side.
Russell Martin’s men have only won two games this season, both of which were by a 1-0 scoreline.
Prediction
Swansea have had difficulty scoring goals this season while Sheffield United, even with injury troubles, have looked very sturdy at the back.
For all of Swansea’s likely possession, a Sheffield United win is the most likely outcome and it would be no surprise if it was to nil.
Huddersfield vs Wigan (Tuesday, 7.45pm)
Stats
Huddersfield have won only one of their seven games so far this season and the departure of manager Carlos Corberan, who was replaced by Danny Schofield, appears to have had a profound effect.
They are four points adrift of safety and are in danger of being left behind if results do not improve.
To make matters worse, Wigan travel to the John Smith’s Stadium with two wins this season, both of which came away from home.
They collected an invaluable three points at Luton last time out and they have won on each of their last two visits to Huddersfield.
Prediction
Wigan are looking to earn back-to-back wins for the first time this season and they do have the ability to find the back of the net, scoring in every game apart from the opening day draw with Preston.
Huddersfield’s confidence will be fragile so a narrow Wigan win could be the way to go.
Middlesbrough vs Cardiff (Tuesday, 7.45pm)
Stats
Middlesbrough’s start to the season has been underwhelming to say the least with Chris Wilder’s side not being rewarded for their good performances.
However, their 1-0 win against Sunderland last week has preserved their unbeaten record at home, stretching that run to four games.
Cardiff began the season promisingly, winning each of their first two home matches, though they have now gone five games without victory.
The Bluebirds’ only win away from home since April was away at relegated Derby on the final day of the Championship season in May.
Prediction
Boro have looked threatening on their own patch and will look to build on their first clean sheet of the season.
Cardiff are the second-lowest scorers in the division this season and a lack of a goalscorer looks like it could hurt them going forward — as a result, Boro to win to nil is to be looked at.
