Sheffield United vs Watford: Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

A close game is expected between two former Premier League sides at Bramall Lane. On the form basis, both are evenly matched heading into this game. Sheffield United are unbeaten in their last nine, with Watford boasting a five game unbeaten run under Tom Cleverley. The Hornets have recorded a 100% start from their first three Championship games this season.

This fixture has traditionally been a close affair between the two sides, with less than 2.5 goals occurring in five of the last six. Both teams have had an even share of results in this fixture in the previous four meetings, with both recording a win and the remaining two ending in a draw.

We are leaning towards a draw in this match. Sheffield United won’t be easy to beat at home this season, although Watford this season has so far been flawless. Expect both teams to retain their unbeaten starts to the season.

Sheffield United 1-1 Watford.

Two former Premier League teams fill the slot for the Sunday Championship showcase on Sky Sports. Sheffield United and Watford meet as their unbeaten runs will be tested at Bramall Lane.

Date: 01/09/2024

Location: Bramall Lane

Kick-Off: 3 pm

Sheffield United have made a solid start to life back in the Championship, and if anything, the Blades' preparation for the campaign couldn’t have gone any better with their start coinciding. There is a tendency from teams who have suffered relegation, to carry that form into the new campaign and effectively ruin any chances of an immediate return, not for the Blades. Chris Wilder’s side have five points from nine available to kickstart the campaign and are unbeaten in their first three.

Sheffield United began their campaign with an impressive 2-0 win on the opening night against Preston North End. Goals from Gustavo Hamer and Oliver Arblaster assured the Blades a win on matchday one. The next game for Sheffield United in the Championship provided a missed opportunity for Chris Wilder and his side, as they squandered a two-goal lead at home to Queens Park Rangers, who were down to ten men. In their previous game, Sheffield United were again held to a draw this time away at Norwich City and will hope to end this winless run of two games as they entertain Watford.

Speaking of Watford, Tom Cleverley’s rise from club icon to club manager has been impressive, with the former Manchester United player taking charge of his first entire season as a professional manager after assuming the interim role at Vicarage Road last season. Watford have been in excellent form, with three wins from three in the Championship. The Hornets began their campaign with an entertaining 3-2 win away at London rivals Millwall. Tom Cleverley then masterfully guided his side to a 3-0 win over Stoke City in which Edo Kayembe scored a brace for Watford. In their previous game, Watford came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over Derby County.

The most recent league meeting between the two teams ended 1-0 to Sheffield United thanks to an own goal from Ryan Porteous.

The game will be shown on Sky Sports Football.

Sheffield United Team News

Vinicius Souza and Andre Brooks received yellow cards in the Blades’ 1-1 draw with Norwich City.

Predicted Eleven: Cooper, Gilchrist, Souttar, Trusty, Burrows, Brooks, Souza, Arblaster, Hamer, O’Hare, Moore

Watford Team News

Giorgi Chakvetadze received a yellow card in Watford’s comeback victory over Derby County.

Predicted Eleven: Bachmann, Pollock, Sierralta, Morris, Andrews, Sissoko, Dele-Bashiru, Larouci, Kayembe, Chakvetadze, Bayo

On the form basis, both are evenly matched heading into this game. Sheffield United are unbeaten in their last nine games, with Watford boasting a five-game unbeaten run under Tom Cleverley. Sheffield United will need to be slightly more assured defensively, having not kept a clean sheet in their last three. At Bramall Lane, Sheffield United have been brilliant thus far this season, unbeaten in their two home games, one in the league and once in the EFL Cup.

The Blades home record significantly contributed to their most recent promotion campaign, with 51 points obtained from the 22/23 season - second only to Burnley. During that season, Sheffield United won 16, drew three, and lost only four. Defensively, they were excellent, conceding only 19 goals in 23 games and scoring 47 in total. Sheffield United had to overcome a goal deficit away at Norwich City in their most recent league outing. Josh Sargent had given the Canaries the lead before Oliver Arblaster equalised for the Blades.

Watford's rise up the table under Tom Cleverley cannot be understated as the former Manchester United player who took the rein at Vicarage Road last season. Tom Cleverley has overseen a 46.15% win rate as manager, having coached 13 games, winning six, drawing five, and only losing twice. The Hornets, as mentioned, are three wins from three in the Championship, with one away victory under their belt.

The Hornets recorded a moderate away record last season. Watford obtained 29 points from a possible 63 on their travels. In comparison, at Vicarage Road, the Hornets only received 27 points from a possible 63. Watford's previous game showed their resiliency under Cleverley by overcoming Ebou Adams' effort for Derby to score two goals through Vakoun Issouf Bayo and Moussa Sissoko.

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