Sheffield United v Leicester
Saturday, 15:00
Blades bouncing after promotion
Sheffield United returned to the Premier League for the first time in 12 years after clinching promotion from the Championship last season. Chris Wilder has done an exceptional job with his beloved club, taking them from League One to the top-flight in the space of three seasons. His task now is to keep the pre-season favourites for relegation in the Premier League and the early signs for their fans are encouraging.
The Blades have avoided defeat in their opening two games and rescued a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth on the first weekend after Billy Sharp’s late equaliser. United’s first Premier League match back at Bramall Lane ended in a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace, with John Lundstram’s goal proving the side will not be easy opponents this season.
Rodgers making strides with Leicester
Leicester made steady progress following Brendan Rodgers’ appointment as manager in February as Claude Puel’s successor. City finished last season in ninth place and the target this year will be to improve on this and challenge for a European place. Despite the loss of defender Harry Maguire to Manchester United, Leicester look well placed to compete in the top half of the table.
Rodgers’ side started the new campaign with a goalless draw at home to Wolves. Leicester followed this up with a creditable 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea. Wilfred Ndidi’s second-half equaliser earned a point and the Foxes had chances to defeat Frank Lampard’s team. Midfielder James Maddison impressed at Chelsea and the attacker will be a key player if they are to finish in the top seven this season.
Sheffield United are [3.6] outsiders for the match and this seems slightly dismissive of their chances. Wilder’s side have already shown they can compete in the opening two games and with home advantage at Bramall Lane they should not be ruled out this weekend. The Blades are unbeaten in nine games dating back to the end of last season. Countering this, United have failed to win their last six matches against Leicester although none were particularly recent.
The visitors are [2.34] favourites and there is no doubting the quality in their side as they look for a first win of the season. Leicester deserve their status for this match but their price certainly does not stand out. The Foxes have gone four games without a win, stretching back to the end of last season, so they cannot be backed with complete confidence.
The draw is the most appealing option at [3.35] with United fancied to hold their own against their opponents. Leicester have drawn their last three league matches and another stalemate could be on the cards at Bramall Lane this weekend. Sheffield United, who were held in their opener, will be well organised and focused on frustrating their opponents. A win may be beyond the hosts but they are worth siding with to claim a point to keep both teams unbeaten this season.
It is early days but neither team have been free-scoring in their opening games. Leicester have only netted once in two matches with Sheffield United on target twice. All four matches have seen no more than two goals scored with defences largely on top. Under 2.5 goals is a tempting option although it is as short as [1.66] with low scoring anticipated in Yorkshire.
Opta Stat
Since scoring in the 86th and 90th minutes against Arsenal in April, Leicester striker Jamie Vardy has attempted just three shots in his last 360 minutes of Premier League football, with only one of those attempts on target and no goals. Vardy is 13/10 to end this run by scoring this weekend.
Follow Simon’s bets on Twitter @watfordtipster
Source: Betfair Premier League
