Sheffield Utd v Middlesbrough: Boro backed to blunt Blades

“Chris Wilder’s outfit have been awesome operators against the Championship’s lesser lights but Friday’s fixture with Aston Villa was another instance where United have fallen short against the division’s elite.”

Sheffield United v Middlesbrough
Wednesday February 13, 19:45
Live on Sky Sports

Sheffield United blew the chance to temporarily go top of the Championship last Friday night when chucking away a three-goal lead in the final eight minutes at Aston Villa. Skipper Billy Sharp had hit a classic goal-poacher’s hat-trick to put the Blades in complete command at Villa Park, only for the hosts to bounce back with a sensational late sting in the tail.

United boss Chris Wilder was understandably bemused post-match and admitted he could hardly believe what he had witnessed. Ever-reliable goalkeeper Dean Henderson was at fault for the first two goals and the dependable Jack O’Connell‘s missed kick gave Villa the opportunity to pinch a point right at the death.

Wilder made two changes to his starting line-up at Villa with Gary Madine a surprise starter ahead of David McGoldrick, and Kieran Dowell replacing Mark Duffy. The Blades made opt to reverse those alterations here, whilst on-loan striker Scott Hogan is available again after being ineligible on Friday. United have no new major injury or suspension concerns.

Middlesbrough seemed certain to bounce back with a victory against Leeds on Saturday following their shock FA Cup defeat at Newport last midweek after Lewis Wing had scored from 12 yards early in the second half. But the Teessiders only have themselves to blame for throwing away a vital three points when conceding a stoppage-time equaliser.

Giant centre-half Aden Flint missed two glaring sitters before Middlesbrough had their noses in front, and Tony Pulis‘ team could and really should have gone for the jugular at the Riverside. But by dropping deep, and sticking instead of twisting, Boro came under increasing pressure that eventually broke their resistance in the 100th minute of the match.

Pulis was pleased with the overall effort and application of his players after a demanding week, although he called for more composure in possession. That may mean a recall to the starting XI for Adam Clayton and Muhamed Besic on Wednesday, with Britt Assombalonga also pushing for a start. Jordan Hugill looks likely to make way in attack.

Sheffield United are aiming for only their third success in 10 recent meetings with Middlesbrough since they last faced-off in the Premier League. However, the Blades came out on top at Bramall Lane in two of their most recent encounters in South Yorkshire and are rated [2.06] favourites to seal top honours again this midweek.

Chris Wilder’s outfit have been awesome operators against the Championship’s lesser lights but Friday’s fixture with Aston Villa was another instance where United have fallen short against the division’s elite. The hosts have won just four of 15 (W4-D3-L8) against top-half teams, losing four of six when up against fellow top-six teams; that’s an obvious concern.

Middlesbrough’s inconsistent campaign – the Teessiders have only once secured back-to-back league triumphs since August – has seen Tony Pulis’ posse slide out of the automatic promotion hunt. Nevertheless, Boro have proven tough opposition for the Championship’s front-runners, returning W6-D6-L3 against the top-half and W4-D2-L1 against the top-six.

The visitors have been beaten just twice on their travels this term and have managed to come away with maximum points from trips to Bristol City, West Brom and Birmingham – three clubs occupying the top-eight. Such impressive returns make the [4.20] on a Middlesbrough victory a little on the large side this midweek.

No second-tier side are seeing as few goals per-game in 2018/19 as Middlesbrough’s tally of 1.93. Only 8/30 (27%) of Boro’s Championship outings have featured at least three goals as Tony Pulis’ men have recorded clean sheets in 13 of those encounters – a divisional-best.

Even so, Boro haven’t been as dependable defensively for a few weeks now and the away side have silenced only two of their last 13 league opponents – struggling Ipswich and Reading – leading to nine successful Both Teams To Score bets in that sequence.

With Sheffield United shutting out only two of 15 top-half teams, there might be some mileage in supporting one of Betfair Sportsbook’s Same Game Multi markets here, with Middlesbrough double chance and Over 0.5 Goals available to support at 5/4. We’re basically paid out if Boro avoid defeat by any scoreline other than 0-0.