Middlesbrough manager Chris Wilder will take his side into battle against former club Sheffield United on Sunday, as the Blades travel north for a Championship contest with kickoff at 4 pm.
Middlesbrough began the new season with a home win against West Bromwich Albion. They took an early lead through Isaiah Jones, who saw John Swift equalize in the second half.
Looking to get a first league win on the board quickly, Boro then made the trip south to take on Queens Park Rangers and found themselves three goals down thanks to goals from Chris Willock, Jimmy Dunne, and Lyndon Dykes. However, they fought back with Matt Crooks and Marcus Forss getting on the scoresheet but could not force a share of the spoils.
The Blades begin their second season back in the Championship with a trip to newly-relegated Watford and leave empty-handed as Joao Pedro hits the game’s only goal.
Hoping to put their first points on the board quickly, they hosted Millwall last weekend. Still, they only managed to secure a 2-0 victory, with Oliver Norwood squandering the opportunity to take their lead to three goals from the penalty spot on the stroke of halftime.
Middlesbrough vs. Sheffield United Head to Head
Both sides have 12 games against each other, with hosts taking six wins while visitors with four wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Middlesbrough 0-1 Barnsley
- QPR 3-2 Middlesbrough
- Middlesbrough 1-1 West Brom
- Middlesbrough 2-0 Marseille
Away
- West Brom 1-0 Sheffield United
- Sheffield United 2-0 Millwall
- Watford 1-0 Sheffield United
- Barnsley 2-1 Sheffield United
Middlesbrough Team News
Wilder rotated his squad for the midweek EFL Cup contest, so he should call back upon more of his key players for this game. Jonny Howson, Matt Crooks, Isaiah Jones, and Ryan Giles are all set to start, with Darragh Lenihan returning from suspension to play defense. Dael Fry, Paddy McNair and Anfernee Dijksteel are also fighting for spots.
Sheffield United Team News
Like their opponents, Sheffield United will also make several changes to the team that played against West Bromwich Albion, with Sander Berge, Elliman Ndiaye, and George Baldock all likely to start. At the same time, Ciaran Clark should rejoin John Egan and Anel Ahmedhodzic in the defensive trio.
Prediction and Odds
In large part due to Wilder’s influence at both clubs, the setups are largely similar, and we anticipate them canceling one another out in a competitive game.
- Draw
- Double Chance
- Goals Under 3.5
