Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
On Monday, May 12, we’re set for a thrilling Championship playoff clash as Sheffield United host Bristol City on their home turf. Kickoff is at 21:00 Central European Time, and I’ve got a betting tip lined up for this encounter.
Sheffield United vs Bristol City: match facts and head-to-head
- Sheffield United thrashed Bristol in the first leg with a 3-0 victory.
- Sheffield are unbeaten in their last three matches: two wins and a draw.
- Bristol City are winless in their last four outings: three defeats and a draw.
- Bristol City have failed to win any of their last five away games: three losses and two draws.
- Bristol City have not kept a clean sheet in their last 12 matches.
- Sheffield United have scored at least one goal in six consecutive games.
- Bristol City have kept a clean sheet in only 17% of their matches, while Sheffield United boast a 46% clean sheet rate.
Sheffield United vs Bristol City: match preview
Just a few days ago, on May 8, the first leg between these sides took place in the Championship playoffs. In that encounter, Sheffield United dismantled Bristol City 3-0. The Blades struck in the dying moments of the first half and, after the break, capitalized on their numerical advantage to turn the scoreline into a rout. They now hold an incredibly comfortable lead heading into the return fixture.
Sheffield had a fantastic regular season in the Championship, finishing third with 90 points—ten behind the leaders. United are considered the main contenders to reach the final and secure promotion to the Premier League, and the first playoff leg only reinforced that view.
Bristol City just managed to squeeze into the playoffs. After 44 matches, they collected 68 points and clinched sixth place, setting up this clash with Sheffield United, who finished higher up the table. Following a 0-3 defeat, Bristol’s chances are slim. The team needs nothing short of a miracle.
Probable line-ups
- Sheffield United: Cooper; Choudhury, Ahmedhodzic, Robinson, Burrows; O’Hara, Peck, Vinny Souza, Hamer; Moore, Campbell
- Bristol City: O’Leary; Tanner, Vyner, Roberts; Hirakawa, Knight, Bird, McCrorie; Aiyre, Mehmeti; Wells
Prediction
The first leg made things abundantly clear—we already know the finalist of the playoffs. Bristol’s woes are compounded by the fact that they haven’t won away from home in their last five matches. I expect Sheffield to come out on top once again, and I’m backing the hosts to win at odds of 1.85.
