Sheffield United vs Derby predictions: Buoyant Blades can bank another victory
- Two of Sheffield United’s three league wins have been by a 2-0 scoreline
- Derby have lost both of their Championship away matches this season
- Recommended bet: Sheffield United to win 2-0
Sheffield United have moved swiftly on from their relegation from the Premier League and they will be targeting a third successive victory when taking on Derby in South Yorkshire.
It would have been understandable if the Blades had suffered a hangover after a disastrous top flight campaign featuring just three victories and 28 defeats.
But they have developed a winning habit this season and approach the weekend with the intention of consolidating a top six placing.
Derby are also adjusting to a new division having won promotion from League One.
Paul Warne’s Rams have amassed nine points but they have struggled on their travels, losing to Blackburn (2-4) and Watford (1-2).
Team news
Blades’ manager Chris Wilder has the option of sticking with an unchanged team after steering them to a 2-0 success at Hull last Friday. However, he is unable to select experienced defender Jack Robinson, who has missed the last month with a muscle strain.
Derby’s injury list lengthened last weekend with Crystal Palace loanee midfielder David Ozoh sustaining a hamstring strain.
Ozoh joins a crowded treatment room populated by Liam Thompson (muscle strain), Tom Barkhuizen (calf), Kane Wilson (hamstring) and Jake Rooney (knee). However, Wolves loanee Tawanda Chirewa has completed the concussion protocol and could feature.
The stats
Sheffield United are unbeaten in five league fixtures and have won each of their last two fixtures without conceding a goal.
Two of United’s three league wins have been by a 2-0 scoreline.
Derby have lost their two Championship away games, conceding six goals in the process.
The Rams have scored the first goal in each of their last four league fixtures.
All of Derby’s last six games have featured less than four goals.
Prediction
Sheffield United have quickly transitioned from a losing to a winning team and their strong start to the season can continue with a home victory over Derby.
Dreadful defending was a feature of the Blades’ relegation last term with 104 goals conceded across 38 Premier League games.
But they have looked rock solid in the Championship and chalked up a third clean sheet of the campaign when cruising to a 2-0 success at Hull last Friday.
Wilder’s side have been physical and well organised and they should have too much power and quality for Derby, who have not quite worked out how to play on their Championship travels.
The Rams will probably defend deep with the aim of staying in the contest for as long as possible, but they are likely to be breached at some stage and may struggle to respond.
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