Tag Archives: Blades

Sharp Blades to edge Pompey

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Monday night throws up one game in the Football League and it comes from League One as Sheffield United look to make it three wins on the bounce when they host Portsmouth at Bramall Lane (Sheffield United 4/5, draw 5/2, Portsmouth 7/2 Match Betting).

The Blades remain unbeaten in the third tier of English football under manager Danny Wilson and will go level with league leaders Tranmere if they can claim all three points on home soil. United (9/4 League One outright) have hardly been ripping teams apart with only one goal being the difference in their last five wins in League One.

But that won’t bother Wilson at all, as his side have shown themselves to be more than capable of getting a lead and doing enough to grind out wins, in what is a tough league to get promoted from.

Striker Nick Blackman (9/2 first goalscroer) has been key for the South Yorkshire outfit this season and with seven goals to his name so far, Wilson will be looking to the youngster the get on the scoresheet once again on Monday.

There are no fresh injury concerns for United following their 1-0 win over Walsall in their last outing and forward Dave Kitson (5/4 Anytime goalscorer) looks set to recover from a virus in time to take on his former club Portsmouth and he will be looking to add to just his three goals this term.

As for the visitors to Bramall Lane, Pomey have lost the services of loan man Wes Thomas who has returned to his parent club Bournemouth and manager Michael Appleton will have to consider a different partner for leading goalscorer Izale McLeod. Having scored nine goals this term, McLeod is going to be the main threat that the Blades will have to keep tabs on if they want to avoid an upset on home soil.

A big boost for Portsmouth is that keeper Mikkel Andersen has managed to recover from a knock on his hip to make the trip up to Yorkshire, although midfielder Darel Russell is again going to be an absentee through injury.

The South Coast outfit were on a decent run of form until their last game when they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Stevenage. However before that they were five games unbeaten in League One with four wins in that spell, which has seen the side start to climb the table.

Of course the financial restraints are going to limit what the side from Fratton Park can do this season but on current form they can certainly push up towards the playoff places.

Bramall Lane is going to be a tough place for any side to go to this season and it looks like United will be the ones celebrating the three points come the final whistle but again don’t expect the Blades to run away with it (7/1 Sheffield Utd 1-0 correct score).

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Blades set to bounce back

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Having come so close to securing a return to the Championship last term, Sheffield United (League One outright 6/1) should be able to finish the job in League One this time around.

The Blades (7/4 League One promotion) were cruelly denied a return to the second tier of English football, as they went down to Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield Town in a thrilling penalty shootout at Wembley Stadium.

What will have hurt the red half of the city more will be the fact their arch rivals Sheffield Wednesday did secure promotion but it should not be too long before the men from Bramall Lane meet their old foes in the league once again.

Like Wednesday, Huddersfield and teams like Stoke City and Leeds United have seen in the past, League One is a tricky competition to get out of.

Disappointment tends to precede success and under manager Danny Wilson they certainly have an experienced man in the game, who should be able to get them promotion if not claim the title.

However there are plenty of teams in the mix for the League One crown, who will certainly have a big say as to who will be celebrating come the business end of the season.

MK Dons (8/1 League One outright) are a side that have spent far too much time in the third tier and it’s about time they put a decent run together and challenged for the automatic places.

Manager Karl Robinson is a relatively young talent in the game and at 31-year-old already appears to be having a strong influence on the team.

Everything is in place at this club to achieve great things, from the impressive 22,000 seater stadium to an exciting manager but of course it all comes down to the players and who the Dons (5/2 League One promotion) can bring in over the summer.

From the teams that have come down from the Championship last season, Coventry City (11/1 League One outright) look like they could be the best of a group that are in bad positions.

Both Portsmouth and Doncaster Rovers have their troubles and the financial situation with the Sky Blues is dubious too.

However with signings like the promising John Fleck from Rangers, the club can still attract talent and they should be able to challenge for at least the playoff places, if not better, but a strong start will be crucial.

Much of lower league football is about momentum and how often have we seen sides leap through the tables when they grasp that winning mentality?

The likes of Swansea City and Norwich City have proved it can be done and Swindon Town (3/1 League One promotion) look like a side who could make another quick rise.

They will certainly be outsiders for the title this season but under eccentric and passionate manager Paulo Di Canio they have a man who will not be content with a mediocre season in mid-table.

So keep an eye out on the Robins, who could be there or thereabouts come May next year, when all will be decided in what looks set to be an intriguing season in League One.

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Blades look bound for Wembley

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The League One play-offs continue on Monday and Sheffield United are strong 10/11 favourites to beat Stevenage and book a place at Wembley, as Danny Wilson’s men look to follow city rivals Wednesday into the Championship.

After a goalless draw in the first leg at Broadhall Way, the Blades – backed by a big home crowd at Bramall Lane – will be confident of beating a team that finished 17 points behind them in the table.

Sheffield United collected 90 points in the regular season, which would in any other year would have seen them gain automatic promotion, but the form of the top two condemed them to the lottery of the play-offs.

The loss of leading scorer Ched Evans has been a major blow to their hopes of clinching the third promotion place, but they have been boosted by the return to fitness of Richard Cresswell (5/1 – First Goalscorer), who made a late appearance off the bench in the first match.

Cresswell, who has 10 goals this term, has the experience as well as the quality at League One level to cause plenty of problems for the Stevenage backline, with the former Wednesday striker expected to partner Chris Porter up front.

The Blades have lost just three times at home this season – the last of those a 3-2 reverse to Oldham at the start of March – but there are some reasons for the visitors to be optimistic of pulling off a shock.

Gary Smith’s side drew 2-2 at Bramall Lane and were a matter of moments away from three points before a late equaliser from United (4/6 – To Score The First Goal).

Wilson’s men have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last seven home games and although Stevenage drew a blank in the first leg, there will be more gaps on Monday as the Blades go for goals.

The Boro (16/1 – To Win From Behind) have have lost just one of their last five away games, and their last two results away from Broadhall Way have seen them draw at Bramall Lane and win 6-0 at Yeovil.

Sheffield United, though, have both the physical presence and overall ability to see off their opponents and, if so, take their place at Wembley as favourites to secure a place in the Championship next season.

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Blades to brush up in JPT

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The two-week international break allows the lower league sides to showcase their qualities and Tuesday evening brings us several Johnstone’s Paint Trophy quarter-final north and south encounters to assess with the Yorkshire derby between Sheffield United and Bradford City the pick of the bunch.

Sheffield United v Bradford (7.45pm)

A South versus West Yorkshire showdown between the League One Blades and struggling League Two Bantams at Bramall Lane looks a home banker on paper for Danny Wilson’s hosts.

However, the Blades have struggled of late with the 2-1 defeat at Stevenage on Saturday leaving them with just one win in four league outings as they have slipped to fifth spot in the table – six points behind second-placed Huddersfield.

Wilson is calling on his team to get back to winning ways immediately on Tuesday when they face Bradford City as he has no new injury problems to contend with but could make some changes.

United have managed to see off League Two Burton and Rotherham by the same score of 2-1 in the previous rounds and they will hope for an easier time when facing a City side whose 1-0 home defeat to Cheltenham Town on Saturday has left them 21st in the table, just one point ahead of the bottom two relegation spots.

Former Blades duo, defender Andrew Davies and winger Kyel Reid, will miss out for Phil Parkinson’s Bantams due to suspension, while defender Robbie Threlfall and winger Jamie Devitt are doubtful due to respective thigh and hamstring problems.

History is on the Blades side as they have won 16 and lost only four previous meetings with Bradford on home soil so we expect them to cut down their Yorkshire rivals again on Tuesday.

Prediction: Sheffield United Home 90 Minutes @ 4/9

Value Bet: Sheffield United To Win 3-1 Correct Score @ 10/1

Rochdale v Preston (7.45pm)

Another northern quarter-final sees an all Lancashire battle between two sides struggling badly for form in recent weeks.

Rochdale manager Steve Eyre witnessed his side drop into the League One relegation places following Saturday’s 3-1 defeat at MK Dons which made it no wins in their last six league outings.

They secured a place at this stage of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy courtesy of a penalty shoot-out win against Walsall in the previous round a month ago and will hope to get back to winning ways and pile more misery on North End chief Phil Brown on Tuesday.

Following a good start to the League One season, Brown’s Lilywhites have plummeted down the table to 13th position after Saturday’s 5-2 defeat at Charlton made it one point from seven league games and 21 goals shipped in that time.

A host of injury problems have not helped Brown in that time as he looks to beef up his squad with some loan signings ahead of the game as they look to secure a northern semi-final spot having also needed penalties to win at Morecambe in the last round.

However, Rochdale have problems in defence with loan defender Dean Holden cup-tied, Kim Balkestein still missing through injury, Joe Widdowson out with shin splints and Marc Twaddle currently unavailable, several youth players could feature.

It is a game that will pitch together two relatively local sides, both out of form and looking for a confidence-boosting win and it could well be a very tight affair on the night.

Prediction: Draw 90 Minutes @ 12/5

Value Bet: Preston/Draw Half Time/Full Time @ 12/1

Brentford v Bournemouth (7.45pm)

The pick of the southern quarter-finals sees two League One sides go head-to-head at Griffin Park.

The Bees have had an inconsistent season to date summed up by a home defeat to Stevenage, a home win against Chesterfield and an impressive 0-0 draw at Sheffield Wednesday in their previous three league outings.

However, they go into this tie on home soil boosted by the fact they romped to a 3-0 win at high-flying Charlton in the previous round.

Bournemouth, who defeated Yeovil 3-2 in the last round, have enjoyed an up-lift in form over the past fortnight with seven points out of a possible nine, which included wins against Scunthorpe and Preston sides that were relegated from the Championship last season.

The Cherries are set to sign Simon Francis from Charlton ahead of the game and he could feature as he was an unused substitute in the Addicks’ defeat to Brentford in the previous round.

It is a difficult one to call, but with home advantage in their favour Brentford should have just enough to edge through.

Prediction: Brentford Home 90 Minutes @ 5/6

Value Bet: Brentford To Win 2-1 Correct Score @ 7/1

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Blades look to clip Bluebirds

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It could not be much tighter in the race for promotion and the battle for survival in the Championship and Tuesday night throws up a full list of fixtures with some intriguing games (totesport – Championship outright and match markets).

Sheffield United would not have dreamed that they would be rock bottom of the table after 40 games this season given that they were tipped to push for a return back to the Premier League.

However, they find themselves seven points off safety and will be desperate for all three points when they face Cardiff City at Bramall Lane on Tuesday (Sheffield Utd, 12/5, draw 23/10, Cardiff 21/20 – match prices).

The South Yorkshire club were unlucky not to get a point against Middlesbrough last weekend when they lost 2-1 with Marvin Emnes scoring with a late goal to deny the home side a point.

It’s difficult to see the Blades getting out of this one but if they are to pull off a miracle escape they will have to start with a win against Cardiff.

The Bluebirds have started to find their form again after suffering a blip with a run of four games without a win.

However, victories over Derby and Doncaster have got City firing at the right time and they are looking strong, with just a point between themselves and the automatic places.

It’s hard to see the Blades picking up the three points but with the Red and Whites battling for their lives they might just bag a point against an impressive Cardiff side.

In a game that throws up a similar scenario Scunthorpe United take on Reading at Glanford Park (Scunthorpe 16/5, draw 11/4, Reading 8/11 – match prices).

The Iron are five points off safety thanks to one of the shock results of the weekend as they beat top-of-the-table QPR 4-1 on Saturday.

It’s been a rollercoaster ride for Scunthorpe fans in recent weeks, as they were thrashed 6-0 by Norwich City in their previous outing.

Reading have been the big movers in recent weeks and currently sit in fifth place in the table thanks to six straight wins on the bounce.

The Royals came through a thrilling encounter against Nottingham Forest in the pick of the weekend’s games with a 4-3 victory at the City Ground.

Once again it’s hard to see Scunthorpe winning against Reading on Tuesday and this time the visitors look too good at the moment not to pick up all three points and strengthen their play-off position.

Forest will be looking to get their season back on track when they take on Burnley at the City Ground on Tuesday (Forest 20/21, draw 23/10, Burnley 11/4 – match prices).

Billy Davies and his men have had a torrid time in recent weeks and have failed to win in their last nine Championship games.

Big defeats to play-off rivals Reading, Leeds United and Swansea have left their dreams of returning to the Premier League this season in the balance.

As for Burnley they too have gone off the boil at just the wrong time, as they are currently on a run of three straight defeats.

The 4-0 hammering by Leicester City won’t do the Burnley squad confidence any good but they must win this if they want any hope of being in the play-offs.

Forest have been slightly unlucky in recent weeks and their fortunes should turn and around with three points against the Clarets.

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Warnock to haunt Blades

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Monday throws up an intriguing battle in the Championship as Queens Park Rangers boss Neil Warnock welcomes his former club Sheffield United to Loftus Road (QPR 4/9, draw 16/5, Sheffield Utd 13/2).

Warnock enjoyed the most successful spell of his managerial career with the Blades as he led the South Yorkshire club back to the Premier League. The Sheffield-born manager spent eight years at Bramall Lane, where he managed to reach an FA Cup and Carling Cup semi-final.

He resigned from his position at the club following relegation from the Premier League in 2007 and, after a three-year-spell at Crystal Palace, the 62-year-old is now enjoying life at QPR.

The Hoops currently sit six points clear at the top of the Championship table with a game in hand over second place Norwich City, who recorded an impressive 6-0 victory over Scunthorpe United on Saturday.

QPR (1/10 to win the Championship) have not lost at home since December 10 when they were comprehensively beaten 3-1 by Watford. That was QPR’s one and only defeat of the campaign so far, as they have made Loftus Road a very difficult place to pick up points for visiting teams.

Sheffield United are next to try their hand and they will be desperate to pick up all three points.

Local rivals Barnsley did not do their neighbours any favours on Saturday as they were beaten by Championship strugglers Crystal Palace.

That leaves the United seven points off safety, with a game in hand, and their away form this season has been very poor. Only three wins on the road in the current campaign have not helped their cause and Monday’s trip to Loftus Road will not be an easy one.

Despite all the doom and gloom the Blades are on a three-game winning streak, as they look to avoid playing their arch rivals Sheffield Wednesday in League One next season. Impressive victories of Nottingham Forest, Watford and Yorkshire rivals Leeds United (7/2 to win promotion this season) have given Blades fans something to cheer about.

Manager Micky Adams has come under plenty of criticism during his time at Bramall Lane after they went 15 games without a win. However with some decent results in recent weeks, United will believe they can get something from this game against QPR and close down the gap on Crystal Palace.

When these two side met earlier in the season the Hoops breezed to a 3-0 victory at Bramall Lane.

Things are getting edgy at both the top and bottom of the table and a repeat result is unlikely. However QPR may just have that extra bit of quality to pick up all three points on a day that will conjure up mixed feeling for Warnock.

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Blades face do-or-die clash

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There is a full fixture list in the Championship on Saturday and several big games affect both ends of the table. The pressure to avoid the drop will be on both teams at Bramall Lane, as two former Premier League clubs go head-to-head.

Sheffield United v Derby (3pm)

This is a huge game in the battle for survival and a game the Blades really must win. United have not won in their last 12 games and the arrival of Micky Adams has done little to revive their flagging fortunes.

Having thrown away a 2-0 lead at Scunthorpe in midweek, they are given a chance to redeem themselves against the Rams. Derby have not won in their last nine games and a lack of firepower has seen them slip into the relegation tussle.

Match Bet: Sheffield United to win @ 13/10

Swansea v Leeds (12.45pm)

Second play sixth at the Liberty Stadium and this is a tough game to call, with two sides who have surprised many pundits this season. The Swans have lost just one of their last seven league games, although their record against fellow promotion hopefuls is not great – with recent defeats to Cardiff and QPR.

Leeds have only lost three of their 16 away league games to date and look a better side away from Elland Road, although their usually backline have conceded five goals in their last two games.

Match Bet: Both teams to score @ 4/5

Hull v Cardiff (3pm)

The Tigers are arguably the form team in the division, with Nigel Pearson’s men unbeaten in their last nine league games. They have only conceded eight goals at home – second best record in the league – and will be able to play on-loan Cardiff defender Anthony Gerrard against his parent club.

Cardiff are unpredictable at the moment, capable of beating anyone but equally capable of losing games they should win. The Bluebirds have lost just twice away from home but have only won once outside the Welsh capital (at Swansea) since mid-November.

Match Bet: Draw HT / Hull FT @ 9/2

Middlesbrough v QPR (3pm)

Boro are still threatened by relegation despite picking up in recent weeks and will offer QPR a stern test at the back. Tony Mowbray’s men have scored 13 goals in their last six games, including six in their last two, but have also been leaking them at the other end.

The Rs are far from their best at the moment, but if they continue to pick up points on their travels and win their home games, should have enough to go up automatically.

Match Bet: Draw @ 23/10

Millwall v Nottingham Forest (3pm)

Lions fans are still dreaming of a place in the Premier League, with Kenny Jackett’s men eight points outside the play-off zone. Their recent inconsistent form though looks likely to cost them with just one win in their last five games.

Forest have also been Jekyll  and Hyde in recent weeks, with good results against Cardiff and QPR sitting alongside slip-ups against strugglers Scunthorpe and Preston.

Match Bet: Draw @ 11/5

Barnsley v Norwich (3pm)

The Tykes spoilt the party for Leeds in midweek and could do likewise against a Norwich team that has drawn its last two games. Barnsley have lost just three times at Oakwell, with their last home defeat coming back on Boxing Day.

The Canaries look to be hitting a blip and their home draw with Doncaster on Tuesday must have dented confidence. Although their away form has been good, the loss of injured defender Leon Barnett is a big blow.

Match Bet: Barnsley to win @ 19/10

Crystal Palace v Reading (3pm)

Both of these teams still have much to play for, with Palace just three points outside the drop zone and the Royals seven points from the play-offs.

Palace have gone eight games at home without conceding a goal and have not been beaten at Selhurst Park since October. Reading are unbeaten in three matches but the goals look to have dried up.

Match Bet: Palace to win 1-0 @ 15/2

Preston v Burnley (3pm)

North End are showing signs of recovery, but it may come too late in their battle for survival. Phil Brown’s men are still bottom despite draws against Watford, QPR and Nottingham Forest in their last three games.

Burnley are not out of the play-off picture and are on a three-game unbeaten run, but will find it hard to pick up a much-needed three points in this Lancashire derby.

Match Bet: 1-1 draw @ 11/2

Leicester v Coventry (3pm)

The Foxes’ defeat at Cardiff in midweek might prove costly, but they should get back to winning ways in this Midlands derby.

Sven’s men have only lost twice at home this season, while out-of-form Coventry have not won on their travels since November.

Match Bet: Leicester HT / Leicester FT @ 6/5

Bristol City v Scunthorpe (3pm)

The Robins look to have got themselves out of trouble at the bottom end of the table, but will face a resurgent Scunny team who have picked up seven points from their last three games.

The Iron’s away form is generally better than their home form and they will fancy their chances of picking up something from Ashton Gate.

Match Bet: Draw @ 12/5

Ipswich v Portsmouth (3pm)

Can only see this match going one way – a home win. Paul Jewell has turned around the Tractor Boys’ fortunes since taking charge at Portman Road and they should be too strong for a Pompey squad still struggling for numbers.

Match Bet: Ipswich to win @ 20/23

Doncaster v Watford (3pm)

Injury-ravaged Rovers shocked everyone with a 1-1 draw at Norwich in midweek and back on their home patch may now build on that. Although it is too late for the play-offs, Donny could take the points against a Watford team that has not won since January 15.

Match Bet: Doncaster to win @ 6/4

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