For our Sheffield United vs. Middlesbrough prediction, we're going for a 1-1 draw.
We have a mouth-watering clash in the Championship this weekend with two sides with ambitions of automatic promotion locking horns at Bramall Lane as Sheffield United host Middlesbrough.
Sheffield United currently sit 2nd in the Championship with eighteen wins, seven draws and five losses from thirty games this season.
The Blades have had an excellent season in the Championship this season as they're currently in pole position to secure 2nd place behind a Burnley side that look destined to be promoted as Champions. Middlesbrough look set to challenge them, but The Blades have a comfortable ten point lead so it's well in their hands.
They enter this game amidst a good run of form having won three and drawn two of their last five matches in both the league and in all competitions.
Most recently, The Blades cruised to a comfortable 3-0 win over Swansea City courtesy of goals from Sander Berge, Jack Robinson and Old McBurnie.
Sheffield United have been buoyed by the form of Manchester City loanee James McAtee in recent weeks, with the 20-year-old looking as though he's hit his groove in this loan spell with fine performances against Wrexham in the FA Cup and against Swansea last weekend.
Their home record has been infallible of late having won all of their last five consecutive matches at Bramall Lane.
Considering they have a game in hand over Middlesbrough, a win here would put them in a very strong position for automatic promotion as they'd sit thirteen points clear with a potential opportunity to make it sixteen points down the line. It is, then, a six pointer for The Blades as they welcome an in form team.
Middlesbrough currently sit 3rd in the Championship with fifteen wins, six draws and ten losses from thirty-one games this season.
Boro suffered a dismal start to the season under Chris Wilder but their renaissance since the appointment of Michael Carrick has been exceptional as they now target a play-off berth at least - if not better.
They enter this game in the midst of a fine run of form having won four and lost one of their last five matches in the league, having also won their last three on the bounce by an aggregate scoreline of 9-1.
Most recently, Middlesbrough sailed to a 3-1 win away at Cardiff City in a fairly uncompetitive encounter.
Their away form has been good of late, too, having won three and lost one of their last four matches on the road.
Middlesbrough can take confidence from the fact they held The Blades to a 2-2 draw back in August when they were at their worst, so in this vein of form they'll fancy themselves to go one better.
This is essentially a must-win for Middlesbrough if they are to seriously contend for automatic promotion. Lose here and they'll probably have to settle for the play-offs. Win, though, and they can start to dream.
Don’t forget to check out the rest of our previews, tips and offers for this weekend’s action.