Sheffield United v Stoke predictions: Blades to grind out late win
- United have lost two games this week
- Stoke have drawn three in a row
- Recommended bet: Tie/Sheffield United Half Time/Full Time
Back-to-back away wins have halted Sheffield United's upward trajectory though they will be confident they can make it third time lucky at home to Stoke.
The Blades have yet to lose at Bramall Lane this season and while Stoke have improved under Narcis Pelach, it's still only one win in six under the Spaniard.
Team news
Gus Hamer, United's four-goal top scorer, is suspended so Callum O'Hare should keep the No.10 jersey he wore in the 1-0 loss at Middlesbrough.
Anchorman Vini Souza will return after serving a one-game ban, replacing Sydie Peck.
Wouter Burger, a key man in Stoke's midfield, hopes to be fit after being ruled out of the 2-2 draw with Bristol City.
Boss Narcis Pelach needs to decide between Eric Bocat or ex-Blade Enda Stevens at left-back. Ben Pearson, Lynden Gooch, Bosun Lawal and Sam Gallagher are still out.
The stats
After going unbeaten in their first nine matches back in the Championship, United have now lost two in a row, 2-0 at Leeds and 1-0 at Middlesbrough.
Ten of the Blades' 11 Championship matches this season have produced two goals or less. Only Swansea's games are producing fewer goals than United's (1.6).
Chris Wilder's men are the only side in the division who have not trailed at half-time in any of their games. They have conceded just one first-half goal.
Stoke head for South Yorkshire on the back of a trio of draws. They are unbeaten in four but have won only one of their last seven.
The Potters have failed to find the net on any of their last three away-days.
Prediction
Entertainment might be thin on the ground at Bramall Lane this season but there's no arguing with Sheffield United's start to life back in the Championship.
The Blades were largely getting the best of a string of low-scorers until the last week which has yielded a pair of losses at Leeds and Middlesbrough, two of the division's crack sides.
It's a blip but there doesn't appear to be any long-term damage and United should still be strong enough to get the job done at home to Stoke - though it might not be straightforward.
United are unbeaten at home where they have conceded only one goal. However, they have only scored seven at home which includes two from Gus Hamer (their top scorer, who is suspended) and two own goals.
Stoke are unbeaten in four under Narcis Pelach but all the evidence is that United are a cut above.
The Potters know that the South Yorkshire side are struggling for goals so if they keep it tight they could easily be level at the break. But you'd fancy Wilder's warriors will ultimately break them down.
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