This weekend’s Sky Bet Championship action kicks off at Bramall Lane as Sheffield United meet West Bromwich Albion in a massive clash.
Both teams are currently third and fifth in the table as Norwich and Leeds start to break away at the top. Victory here therefore will be pivotal for either team as the promotion race continues to hot up.
Team news
Embed from Getty ImagesSheffield United boss, Chris Wilder has tough decisions to make up front with Billy Sharp, Leon Clark and Ben Woodburn all pushing for starts.
The Blades meanwhile have no other injury concerns to report.
West Brom could recall Hal Robson-Kanu whilst Kyle Bartley and James Morrison have returned to training and could also feature.
Form
Sheffield United have been inconsistent in last couple of months with just 12 points from a possible 27 and one clean sheet.
The Blades however have lost just one of their last five which came in their last home game to end an eight match unbeaten run since an opening day defeat.
West Brom have taken ten points from their last four after taking just a single point from their previous four beforehand.
Stat Attack
- Sheffield United are unbeaten in three of last five against West Brom (W1, D2, L2).
- The Blades have scored in four of last five meetings.
- In 14 previous meetings held during December, United are unbeaten in nine games including four consecutive wins in last four December clashes (W6, D3, L4.)
- Billy Sharp has 11 league goals already this season compared to eight at this stage last season.
- Harvey Barnes have scored in three of his last four appearances for West Brom with his last two goals both coming in 77th minute.
Prediction
Every point matters from here on in and with both teams in solid form, a draw would be a great result to take into the festive period.
I however am backing Sheffield United to win given that they have a decent December record against the Baggies.
Prediction: Sheffield United 2-1 West Bromwich Albion
Result: Sheffield United 1-2 West Bromwich Albion