2018-19 Sky Bet Championship: Week 36 – Saturday

Sheffield United welcome Rotherham United to Bramall Lane for a major Sky Bet Championship clash, which could have implications at both ends of table. 

Victory for the Blades would temporarily send them second whereas Rotherham could breifly move out of the relegation zone with all three points, with Reading meeting Wigan in a huge six pointer later in afternoon.

Team news

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Sheffield United have a full squad available for manager, Chris Wilder to select from after George Baldock recovered from a calf injury. 

Rotherham could be without Jon Taylor and Michael Ihiekwe as the pair struggle to overcome knocks. 

Sean Raggett (ankle) and Kyle Vassell (groin) remain ruled out for the foreseeable future. 

 

Form

Sheffield United enter this match with just one loss in their last 13 and four consecutive clean sheets from last four league outings.

At home, the Blades have won their last six since losing to West Bromwich Albion just before Christmas, conceding just once in that run.

Rotherham are also in form without a defeat in their last six but drawn five of those games.

On their travels, the Millers have drawn their last three after managing just a single point from previous five beforehand.

 

Stat Attack 

• Sheffield United have avoided defeat in 11 of 12 meetings with Rotherham this century (W6, D5, L1).
• Three of their five draws during this century have been 2-2 with all three occurring during November-December period. 
• Since October, Rotherham have managed only three shutouts with all coming in goalless draws, of which two came against current play-off contenders – Middlesbrough and Bristol City.

 

Prediction 

Both sides need a win here for very different reasons, which should hopefully result in a scrappy attacking game between two in form sides.

The Blades however are yet to win a Yorkshire derby this season so shaking that bug off is an absolute must.

With so much at stake here, I can see a tight draw unless get a last gasp winner from either side.

Prediction: Sheffield United 1-1 Rotherham United