Sheffield United v Birmingham: Sharp Blades can pile more away-day misery on Blues

Sheffield United v Birmingham
Saturday 25th November, 17:30
Live on Sky Sports

Sheffield United look to bounce back

Despite falling to a thrilling 5-4 defeat at Bramall Lane in midweek, Sheffield United have made their best start to a Championship season in 12 years when the Blades bagged automatic promotion to the Premier League.

The United players were greeted with a standing ovation at the final whistle on Tuesday night. The Blades may have failed to enhance their record of 45 wins in 72 outings under Chris Wilder's watch but the home boss and supporters were pleased with their team's effort.

It was the first fixture without the injured Paul Coutts in midfield and whilst United clearly missed his influence, there's hope and expectation that both John Lundstram and Samir Carruthers can hold down a place in the side with regular football from now on.

Shot-shy Birmingham

Birmingham boss Steve Cotterill felt Britt Assombalonga was the difference as his Blues side fell to a familiar dismal defeat on the road on Wednesday night. City were beaten 2-0 at Middlesbrough but lacked the attacking ambition or belief to warrant taking anything from Teesside.

Cotterill believes his side are making progress under his tutelage but Birmingham have now made their worst goalscoring start to a Football League season having scored a league-low nine goals in 18 matches thus far.

David Davis was taken off at half time against Middlesbrough with a knee injury and looks a major doubt for Saturday, while Che Adamswas withdrawn amid suggestions he is feeling tightness in his hamstring again. Stephen Gleeson and Craig Gardner missed the midweek match but may return.

Sharp Blades too hot to handle

Sheffield United are heavy favourites 1.63 having picked up seven triumphs in nine tussles at Bramall Lane since promotion and with Birmingham boasting the Championship's worst road record (W1-D0-L8), the home success looks like banker material.

But we can bolster the odds by backing the Blades in the Half-Time/Full-Time market at 6/4. The hosts have enjoyed W/W doubles in over half of their Bramall Lane battles this term whilst the Blues have been behind at the interval in 12 of their past 16 away defeats since the start of last season.

Elsewhere, supporting Sheffield United off a -1 Asian Handicap start at 2.07 also appeals. The visitors have lost by more than a solitary strike on seven occasions this term, shipping 12 goals in their last four fixtures.

Contrasting goal trends

Sheffield United are without a clean sheet in six matches but their midweek loss was the first time they've leaked more than one goal in their nine Bramall Lane games.

Although five of the Blades' most recent six have surpassed the Over 2.5 Goals 1.95 line, Birmingham's lack of goals, coupled with the fact that nine of the Blues last 10 featured Under 2.5 Goals 2.00, mean I'm happy to look outside of the traditional goal markets.

Instead, back Leon Clarke to score at anytime at 2.30. The United striker has already scored more league goals (12) this season than in 11 of his previous 14 Football League campaigns, eight of which have arrived in his most recent three fixtures, and seven have been bagged at Bramall Lane.

Recommended Bets

Back Sheffield United/Sheffield United @ 6/4 in Sheffield United v Birmingham
Back Sheffield United -1 Asian Handicap @ 2.07 in Sheffield United v Birmingham
Back Leon Clarke to score at anytime @ 2.30 in Sheffield United v Birmingham