Sheff Utd v Sunderland

Sheffield United vs Sunderland Preview

Friday night also brings us this tasty upcoming clash in the Championship between second placed Sheffield United and their fourth placed visitors Sunderland when the two teams prepare to do battle at Bramall Lane with a precious three points at stake for both sides.

Sheffield United head into this vitally important clash in a purple patch of form as The Blades have won five out of their last six games overall in the Championship and all three points here on Friday night would send Chris Wilder's boys to the top of the table.

Recent wins against Stoke City, Blackburn Rovers, Bristol City, Sheffield Wednesday and Oxford United have helped lift the Yorkshire club into early contention for possible automatic promotion back up to the Premier League at the first time of asking, along with the fact that The Blades have been handed just two defeats throughout this campaign to date.

Losses to Leeds United and Middlesbrough in 2-0 and 1-0 defeats respectively were both away from home, while Sheffield United's results and form on home soil at Bramall Lane have been exemplary as the hosts still remain unbeaten after their opening eight home games having registered seven wins and gaining a draw.

Sunderland were involved in a fifth draw on the trot in the Championship last weekend when the Black Cats had to make do with a point in a 0-0 stalemate against West Brom at the Stadium of Light.

Nevertheless, the north-east visitors have now extended their stubborn unbeaten run in the English second tier to 10 games overall which consists of picking up four wins along with being involved in no fewer than six stalemates within this period as well.

Important victories against Derby County, Hull City, Luton Town and Oxford United have contributed to Sunderland's current position in the play-off pack in the Championship table but the visitors' recent spate of draws has been a bit of a concern for manager Regis Le Bris and his side.

Similar to Sheffield United, Sunderland have also slipped to just two defeats so far in this season's Championship campaign, both of which were inflicted upon the Black Cats on their travels with losses incurred at Plymouth Argyle and Watford respectively.

Nevertheless, Sunderland are unbeaten in their last five away games, four of which have also resulted in Under 2.5 goals as well.

Sheffield United v Sunderland Verdict

Sheffield United have won their last seven home games on the trot and in addition, The Blades have also kept clean sheets in each of these wins as well, thus ensuring a tough away trip for the visitors, Sunderland, especially as Sheffield United have won four of the last five encounters against their upcoming visitors.

Therefore, our main bet will be Sheffield Utd win @ 2.00

Other side bets worth considering:

Sheffield Utd win & Under 2.5 goals @ 4.00

Correct Score: Sheffield Utd 1-0 @ 6.50