Preview & Prediction: Sheffield United vs Sunderland

In this exciting Championship encounter, Sheffield United face Sunderland in what promises to be an intriguing clash of form teams. Sheffield United enters the match in formidable form, having accumulated 13 points in their last 5 outings, scoring 9 times. Their indomitable home streak, with 7 unbeaten games at home and winning their last 6, suggests a formidable fortress. The Blades have consistently found the back of the net, scoring in all home fixtures this season and maintaining an impressive defensive record with 3 clean sheets out of the last 5 games.

On the other hand, Sunderland have proven resilient, unbeaten in their last 9 games and maintaining an impeccable away record, being undefeated in their last 5 away fixtures. However, Sunderland has only registered one victory in their last 5 matches, drawing the remainder, which implies that while they are difficult to beat, they have struggled to secure wins. They’ve managed 5 goals in these games but have failed to score in 2 of them, indicating a pressing need to revitalize their attacking strategies.

Historically, Sheffield United hold the upper hand over Sunderland, winning 5 of their last 7 encounters, including a solid 3-0 victory in their last meeting. With an average of 2.43 goals in previous games between them and BTTS occurring 57% of the time, fans might expect a tightly contested battle.

Sheffield United’s current home form suggests they are favorites to continue their winning ways, but Sunderland’s resilience, particularly in away games, means they are more than capable of posing a challenge. Expect Sheffield United to dominate proceedings, but Sunderland’s defensive capabilities could prevent a high-scoring affair. Sheffield United likely has the edge to secure victory, keeping their impressive form intact while Sunderland might find it challenging to break their winning streak at Bramall Lane.

Insights

• Sheffield United is in impressive form, securing 13 points from their last 5 games, averaging 2.6 points per game.
• At home, Sheffield United has a remarkable record, winning their last 6 home fixtures and remaining unbeaten in 7.
• Sheffield United has consistently scored in every home game this season and has netted in their last 7 home matches.
• They have won 4 of their last 5 games, going 5 games unbeaten, and have kept 3 clean sheets in these games.
• Sheffield United has a solid defensive record with 10 clean sheets this season, and BTTS has landed in only 4 out of 16 games.
• Sunderland has picked up 7 points from their last 5 games, averaging 1.4 points per game.
• Sunderland is unbeaten in 5 away games, although they have won just 1 of their last 5 overall.
• Sunderland’s recent form includes 3 clean sheets in the last 5 games, matching their season total of 9 clean sheets.
• Scoring has been a challenge for Sunderland, failing to score in 2 of their last 5 games.
• Previous encounters between the teams show Sheffield United’s dominance with 5 victories out of 7, while Sunderland won 2.
• The last match between these teams saw Sheffield United win 3-0.
• Historically, matches between them see an average of 2.43 goals, with a 57% chance of BTTS occurring.
• This season, Sheffield United averages 2.17 Points Per Game at home, whereas Sunderland averages 1.5 Points Per Game away.

Match Forecast

• Sheffield United’s strong aerial presence may exploit Sunderland’s weakness in aerial duels.
• Sunderland’s defense might struggle to maintain a lead if Sheffield United manages to score first.
• Both teams have a strong counter-attacking strategy; expect quick transitions on both ends.
• Sheffield United’s right-sided attacks could clash with Sunderland’s left-sided play style.
• Set-piece situations might be tightly contested, as both teams are strong in defending set pieces.
• Individual skills will be crucial for both teams as they are strong in creating chances through skillful players.
• Sheffield United might employ rotations to keep their play dynamic, while Sunderland will likely stick to their consistent lineup.
• Expect Sheffield United to focus on short passing to build their attacks, while Sunderland may take long shots when opportunities arise.

Match Facts

• The most frequent scoreline in matches between Sheffield United and Sunderland AFC is 0-1, occurring in 5 matches.
• At home, Sheffield United has beaten Sunderland AFC 7 times out of their last 12 meetings, with 2 draws and 3 wins for Sunderland AFC. The goal tally favors Sheffield United at 13-8.
• Overall, Sheffield United has won 9 out of the last 23 encounters, with Sunderland AFC emerging victorious 11 times and 3 ending in a draw. Sunderland AFC leads the goal count at 26-20.
• Sheffield United is unbeaten in their last 4 games.
• Sheffield United has found the net in each of their last 7 matches.
• Sunderland AFC has conceded in their last 7 matches consecutively.
• Sheffield United scores first in 45% of their matches, compared to 36% for Sunderland AFC.
• Sheffield United wins 45% of first halves, while Sunderland AFC wins 36% of theirs.
• Sunderland AFC won the most recent matchup between the two teams.
• The last meeting saw Sunderland AFC prevail by a one-goal margin.
• When Sheffield United leads 1-0 at home, they triumph in 80% of their matches.
• Sunderland AFC wins 68% of away games when holding a 1-0 lead.
• Sheffield United wins 16% of home games when trailing 0-1.
• Sunderland AFC also has a 16% win rate when down 1-0 away.
• In the Championship, Sheffield United has shown better form than Sunderland AFC.
• Over their last 5 matches, Sheffield United has performed better than Sunderland AFC.
• In their last 5 meetings, Sheffield United has 3 wins to Sunderland AFC’s 2, with no draws.
• On average, Sheffield United scores 1.2 goals against Sunderland AFC, while Sunderland AFC averages 1 goal against Sheffield United.
• Meetings between the two teams average 2.2 goals.
• The average first-half goal count in their fixtures is 1.4.
• Playing at home, Sheffield United averages 1.54 goals per game, whereas Sunderland AFC scores 1.28 goals on average when away.