Sheff Utd vs Brentford predictions: Wilder to lead Blades to important win
- Sheffield United are bottom of the table
- Brentford are 11th but have lost three of last four games
- Recommended bet: Sheff Utd to win
There were plenty of positives in Chris Wilder's first game back in charge of Sheffield United even if it ended in defeat against Liverpool and now the Blades can cause injury-hit Brentford problems at Bramall Lane.
Ultimately, United were beaten 2-0 by title contenders Liverpool, but they were much improved in Wilder's first game since he stepped back into the Bramall Lane hotseat to succeed Paul Heckingbottom.
Wilder's side competed well throughout in midweek and were somewhat unfortunate that key decisions went against them on the night.
However, they showed enough to suggest they are up for the survival fight over the winter.
Brentford went down to a 2-1 defeat at Brighton and they remain inconsistent this season with four wins and three defeats in their last seven games.
Team news
Blades duo Oli McBurnie and Oliver Norwood are suspended for the visit of the Bees, while Tom Davies, Rhian Brewster, Chris Basham, Rhys Norrington-Davies, John Egan and George Baldock are all expected to miss out through injury.
It is hoped, however, that Daniel Jebbison can be available again for the hosts after illness.
Key Brentford man Bryan Mbeumo is set to be out for a spell with the ankle injury he suffered in the defeat at Brighton, adding to a lengthy absentee list that already has Rico Henry, Kevin Schade, Aaron Hickey, Kristoffer Ajer and Nathan Collins on it.
Ivan Toney remains suspended, Mathias Jensen and Josh Dasilva are doubts, but at least Christian Norgaard is available for the visitors after serving his suspension.
The stats
The Blades are unbeaten in five games against the Bees, but this is the first-ever Premier League meeting between the two clubs.
Wilder served as United boss first time around for just under five years between May 2016 and March 2021 when he won 106 of his 227 games in charge.
Injury doubt Mbeumo is Brentford's top scorer this season with seven goals.
Brentford have won just twice on the road this season, losing four times and drawing once.
Prediction
There was a buzz around Bramall Lane in midweek following the return of Wilder, who will hope he can rejuvenate the club two years after leaving as they have struggled to cope in the top flight so far this term without him.
The Blades looked immediately much better organised and had a clear gameplan to try and catch Liverpool on the break in Wilder's first game back and they did cause the Reds problems at times.
Against weaker opposition in Brentford, United can enjoy an even greater share of the game and Frank's side have often looked vulnerable away from home so far this season.
With plenty of backing from the stands, the Blades can secure a much-needed win – at a decent price – against opponents who are down to the bare bones.
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