Sheffield Utd – Watford

Sheffield United will end their losing streak with a victory

The story of Sheffield United's start to the current season is being discussed widely in the football community, not just among English football fans. A clear contender for promotion last season, who stumbled only in the playoff final, this season's Championship began with them as one of the three favourites. However, the 'Blades' played so poorly and lost to everyone that the 'shelf life' of the newly appointed manager was up by the sixth round of the league. Chris Wilder was brought back to the managerial position; he had previously managed the 'Blades' for around seven years and was sacked after the defeat to Sunderland in last season's playoff final. In four matches under the new/old head coach, Sheffield United lost three times and won only once. Of course, there were no heavy defeats like the 0-5 against Ipswich Town under Wilder, but there are still few reasons for joy in the 'Blades' camp. Watford last appeared in the Premier League in the 2021/2022 season. Interestingly, immediately after their relegation, it was Chris Wilder who was tasked with bringing the 'Hornets' back to the top division. However, the experienced coach failed to accomplish this task, and Watford is now in its fourth consecutive season in the Championship. Bookmakers have determined the home team as the favourites for the upcoming match, offering odds of 1.97 for their victory. Sheffield United approaches the next round on a mini-series of two defeats. In their last match, the 'Blades' suffered a very disappointing loss. Trailing 0-1 at Hull, they were awarded a penalty in the 88th minute but failed to convert it. It's also frustrating that Wilder's team looked better than their opponents and perhaps for the first time this season dominated them. At their home ground, their level of play should not drop, and their own fans should encourage better finishing and a winning outcome. Watford has won three matches this season, all of which were played at their home ground. The last three encounters with Sheffield United, irrespective of where they were held, ended in defeats for the 'Hornets'. Considering the 'Blades' diligence in their last match, their better squad and home advantage, we will bet on a victory for the home team.