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Sheffield United lock horns with Stoke City as the 19th round of games beckons in the EFL Championship on Saturday. The two sides are in opposite halves of the points table.
Chris Wilder's Sheffield are fresh off an impressive 3-2 win at 2023-24 champions Leicester City at the weekend. The Blades made a rousing start, bursting into a two-goal lead inside four minutes and leading 3-0 at the break.
Although the Foxes reduced arrears twice in the second half, an equaliser wasn't to be as Sheffield won a third straight league game for the first time this season. They are up to 19th in the standings, with 19 points from 18 matches, winning six.
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Meanwhile, Narcis Pelach's Stoke are coming off a 2-1 home defeat to Hull City. Sorba Thomas broke the deadlock in the 17th minute as the visitors led at the break.
However, Hull hit back through Semi Ajayi before Joe Gelhardt's 90th-minute winner ensured all three points. With a third defeat in four games, the Potters dropped to fourth in the standings, with 30 points from 18 outings, winning nine.
On that note, here's a look at the head-to-head stats and key numbers, match prediction, and betting tips for the Sheffield-Stoke Championship skirmish at Bramall Lane.
Sheffield United vs Stoke City head-to-head stats and key numbers
- In 82 meetings across competitions, Sheffield lead Stoke 46-36, including a 2-0 away win in the Championship, in their last clash in April.
- Sheffield have won four of their last six games with Stoke - all in the Championship - including the last three.
- The Blades have won twice and lost as many of their last five home games - all in the Championship.
- Stoke have two wins and two defeats in their last five road outings - all in the Championship.
- Form guide (last five games across competitions, most recent result first): Sheffield: W-W-W-D-L; Stoke: L-W-L-L-W
Sheffield United vs Stoke City prediction
The two sides have had contrasting campaigns, with Sheffield spending large swathes of the season in the relegation zone while Stoke have been in the play-off places.
In terms of the head-to-head record, the Blades hold a slender advantage and have dominated recent meetings. The recent form of the two sides couldn't have been more contrasting, with Sheffield riding a purple patch while Stoke have stumbled.
Moreover, the Potters are winless in four league visits to Sheffield, losing the last three. Considering that and Sheffield's recent resurgence, the Blades should take all three points and continue their climb up the standings.
Prediction: Sheffield United 2-1 Stoke City
Sheffield United vs Stoke City betting tips
Tip-1: Sheffield to win
Tip-2: Both sides to score (Both teams have netted in two of their last four matches.)
Tip-3: Over 1.5 goals (Their last four meetings have had at least two goals.)
