Sheffield Wednesday – Sheffield United: who will fare better in the fight for survival?
In Matchweek 16 of the English Championship, Sheffield Wednesday host Sheffield United at Hillsborough. The derby is set for Sunday, 23 November, kicking off at 13:00 CET, and I’m offering a betting angle for this clash.
Sheffield Wednesday – Sheffield United: match facts and H2H
- Sheffield Wednesday are winless in their last nine outings: four draws and five defeats.
- Sheffield United haven’t won in four straight matches: three defeats and a draw.
- At home, Sheffield Wednesday are without a victory in eight consecutive games.
- Sheffield Wednesday have been deducted 12 points due to their declared bankruptcy.
- Sheffield United have the worst attack in the Championship with just 11 goals scored.
- These two sides have conceded the most in the Championship: 29 for Sheffield Wednesday and 26 for Sheffield United.
- Their most recent head-to-head ended 1–0 in favour of Sheffield United.
- Sheffield Wednesday last beat this opponent back in 2012.
Sheffield Wednesday – Sheffield United: match preview
Two teams anchored to the bottom of the table meet in a showdown that could prove crucial for both as they look to climb out of the relegation scrap and keep their hopes of survival alive.
Sheffield Wednesday sit rock-bottom, and escaping that position will be an enormous challenge. On top of their on-pitch struggles, the club is mired in financial trouble and wage debt. Wednesday have declared bankruptcy, prompting the Championship authorities to impose a 12-point deduction. They now sit on –4 points and must first wipe out that deficit before they can even think about fighting for safety.
Sheffield United, meanwhile, are also stuck in the drop zone. After 15 rounds, they have collected 10 points and currently occupy 22nd place. They are only three points behind the team in 21st, so United still have a realistic chance to pull themselves clear and stabilise their place in the Championship. But they need to start picking up results: their last win came four matches ago, a 3–1 victory over Blackburn.
Probable line-ups
- Sheffield Wednesday: Horvath; Iorfa, Cooper, M Lowe; Palmer, Ingelsson, Bannan, Valery, Amass; Cadamarteri, J Lowe
- Sheffield United: Cooper; Seriki, Tanganga, Mee, Burrows; Peck, Davies; Ogbene, O'Hare; Campbell, Bamford
Prediction
Both teams have a single overriding objective: avoid relegation and stay in the Championship. That won’t come easy, which is why fixtures like this are absolutely vital. My tip: both teams to score.
