Sheffield Utd – Bristol City

The guests will impose an open game with plenty of goals on the opponents

Sheffield United almost got their way at the end of the last round. "Blades" caught Leeds United on another misfire and equalised with the leader on points. Now only a less good goal difference against the Peacocks is an obstacle for Chris Wilder's team in taking the first place. Playing form of the hosts, however, will allow to count on strengthening the position of Sheffield United. Bristol City are playing in the Championship for the tenth year in a row, during this period they have never come close to the play-off zone. Now the team is in seventh position, above which it has never finished in the previous nine seasons. Just one win could be enough for Bristol City to squeeze Coventry City or West Bromwich out of the top 6. For two and a half months, Liam Manning's wards have kept a decent level of play, which allows them to systematically climb the Championships standings. Bookmakers have identified the home team as favourites for the upcoming meeting, offering odds of 1.97 on their victory. Sheffield United not so long ago gave a terrific home series, during which they beat nine opponents in a row without a single conceded goal. Subsequently, the Blades began to make misfires at home, the most recent of which took place in the last meeting in February, when Leeds United came to Bremell Lane. That is, their stadium for Sheffield United can no longer be called a "fortress". The first clash with Bristol City in the season was extremely difficult for the Blades, but with a happy ending. Sheffield were 0-1 down until the 86th minute, but managed to turn the tide with two goals. The second accurate strike was made on 90+8 minutes, when Bristol City was in the minority. It should be noted that Manning's team was close to victory, which means that they clearly understand the weaknesses and strengths of the opponent. Now Bristol City have a five-match unbeaten streak, and in the last nine matches the team lost only once. In the last round the guests miraculously failed to beat Hull City, but Sheffield United will not defend so zealously against them. We bet that the rivals will exchange goals.