After Leeds saw off Preston North End to return to second, Sheffield United can move back ahead of their Yorkshire rivals with victory over Birmingham City at St Andrews.
Team news
Embed from Getty ImagesMaikel Kieftenbeld is ruled out for Birmingham City with an anterior cruciate ligament on Saturday is expected to be sidelined until midway through next season.
Gary Gardner is a doubt with illness but will be assessed whilst Jota is pushing for a starting spot, having been used as a sub in his last three matches.
Jack O’Connell is unlikely to feature for Sheffield United as he battles a calf injury, which kept him out of Saturday’s win at Preston.
Gary Madine is however available after completing a three match ban.
Stat Attack
- Birmingham have lost just one of their last five league meetings with Sheffield United (W2, D2, L1).
- There has never been two consecutive goalless draws in this fixture although there were two such draws at this ground in February 1907 then 1908.
- Birmingham are yet to lose at home this season in three meetings against members of the current top four (D2, W1).
- Three of Sheffield United’s last six away goals have come in both the first and second halves.
- Birmingham City’s Gary Monk is yet to lose to Sheffield United’s Chris Wilder as a manager (W2, D1).
Prediction
Given Birmingham’s record against the current top four at home this season, this is going to be a tough match for Sheffield United.
I personally feel that the Blades are going to have to start like Leeds did on Saturday and be more clinical with their finishing. If not then the Brummies will fancy another 1-0 win but I can’t see a repeat of that result here.
Prediction: Birmingham City 1-1 Sheffield United
Result: Birmingham City 1-1 Sheffield United
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