Sunderland v Sheff Utd

Sunderland vs Sheffield United Preview

The tastiest fixture in the New Years Day schedule in the Championship features this top four clash between fourth placed Sunderland and second placed Sheffield United when these two sides face off at the Stadium of Light with a precious three points at stake for both teams.

Sunderland lost ground on the top two clubs and therefore the automatic promotion spots in the Championship table following a disappointing 1-0 defeat away from home at Stoke City which became only the second defeat in the last 17 matches overall for the Black Cats.

A previous defeat away from home at their New Years Day opponents at Bramall Lane back at the end of November suggests this upcoming clash at the Stadium of Light could prove to be another tough challenge for Roger Le Bris's side despite returning to their home surroundings.

Just two defeats in their last 17 games though does give Sunderland a decent chance of achieving a result at the Stadium of Light although goals could be in short supply as no fewer than 10 out of Sunderland's last 17 games have resulted in Under 2.5 goals.

In addition, the Black Cats still remain unbeaten so far in this Championship campaign at the Stadium of Light where the hosts have kept a total of six clean sheets within 11 home games.

Sheffield United will head into this vitally important New Years Day clash at Sunderland having failed to win either of their last two home games at Bramall Lane after being dealt a 2-0 defeat by third placed Burnley followed by being held to a 1-1 draw by West Brom, but perhaps an away game here may not be too bad for Chris Wilder's side.

Prior to this recent hiccup, Sheffield United had put together an impressive 11-game unbeaten sequence which included picking up no fewer than nine wins in the process, four of which have resulted in gaining victories on the road at Blackburn Rovers, Bristol City, Millwall and Cardiff City respectively.

Having suffered just three defeats throughout the entirety of this season's Championship campaign to date though, Sheffield United look in decent shape to return to winning ways up in the north-east especially as the visitors are unbeaten in their last six outings on the road, collecting four wins in the process.

Goals may also be in short supply from Sheffield United's perspective as well, as seven out of The Blades' last 10 away games in the Championship have resulted in Under 2.5 goals.

Sunderland v Sheffield United Verdict

Sheffield United have certainly held the upper hand over their upcoming hosts Sunderland as the visitors have registered five wins from the previous six encounters between the two clubs and The Blades look a little sharper than their opponents.

Therefore, our main bet will be Under 2.5 goals @ 1.66

Other side bets worth considering:

Sheffield Utd win @ 3.00

Sheffield Utd win & Under 2.5 goals @ 5.50