2021-22 Sky Bet Championship: Week 30 – Friday

Birmingham City welcome Sheffield United to St Andrew’s Stadium in Friday Night Football from 2021-22 Sky Bet Championship. 

Victory would lift Birmingham above Bristol City into 16th, whereas a win could see Sheffield Utd climb as high as ninth.

 

Team News

Taylor Richards could make his debut for Birmingham City after returning from self-isolation following a positive test for Coronavirus, having previously struggled with an ankle injury as he joined on loan from Brighton last month.

Tahith Chong (groin) and Troy Deeney (thigh) remain absent.

Sheffield Utd will be without Rhian Brewster after the striker suffered a hamstring injury during their win at Peterborough last weekend.

Morgan Gibbs-White (fitness) is a doubt but Charlie Goode could make his debut for the Blades after joining on loan from Brentford this week.

 

Stat Attack

• Birmingham City are unbeaten in their last five meetings against Sheffield United (W2, D3).
• Sheffield Utd have claimed just one point from their last five visits to St Andrew’s Stadium (D1, L4).
• Only one of 14 meetings in all competitions between Birmingham and Sheffield Utd this century have finished goalless, which happened in September 2018.
• Only one of Birmingham’s last five league goals at home has been scored before half-time.
• Billy Sharp has scored in each of Sheffield Utd’s last two away games.

 

Prediction

Despite sitting 13 points clear of the relegation zone coming into this match, Birmingham can’t afford to let their focus drop because they were excellent in their 2-2 draw at Derby last Sunday except for a late defensive meltdown which nearly proved costly.

A tighter defence in closing out the game therefore is important here but they can take confidence from their attacking and passing efforts, which will give them a boost on top of their recent form against the Blades.

Sheffield Utd meanwhile were absolutely dominant against Peterborough so a two goal victory would feel slightly lacklustre, if only they had been more clinical with just five out of 20 shots converted onto target but they were made to really scrap for the win.

Now if both teams can build on their progress in attack and aren’t afraid to take this clash by the scruff of the neck then this should be a cracker, although Sheffield Utd will be lucky to get a draw given their poor away form in this fixture.

Prediction: Birmingham City 1-1 Sheffield United

Result: Birmingham City 1-2 Sheffield United