Birmingham v Sheffield United predictions: Blades may cut gap to playoff spots

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Birmingham City v Sheffield United in the Championship on Friday.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Football & Main Event, 7.45pm Friday

Best bet

Sheffield United
1pt 11-10 general

Team news

Birmingham
Troy Deeney (thigh) remains unavailable.

Sheffield United
Rhian Brewster (muscle strain) limped off at Peterborough last Saturday and has joined Jack O'Connell (knee) on the sidelines.

Match preview

Back-to-back wins have lifted Sheffield United to 11th in the Championship but they only have eyes for the top six and can improve their chances with victory at Birmingham.

The Blades were among the pre-season promotion favourites but have been playing catch-up since failing to win any of their opening five fixtures.

However, they have improved since the appointment of Paul Heckingbottom in late-November – taking 16 points from a possible 21 – and head to St Andrew's with plenty of confidence after Saturday's convincing 2-0 victory at Peterborough.

United were totally dominant against Posh – winning the shot count 20 to three – and they did a smart bit of business on transfer deadline day by recruiting central defender Charlie Goode on loan from Brentford.

Scoring goals was a problem earlier in the season but veteran striker Billy Sharp has come to their rescue of late with four goals in seven games.

The 35-year-old produced a superb finish to break Peterborough's resistance and his return to prominence looks bad news for Birmingham, who are starting to look over their shoulder.

Lee Bowyer's Blues are 13 points above the bottom three but they have won just one of their last nine league matches and wasted a glorious opportunity on Sunday when conceding two late goals in a 2-2 draw at Derby.

Five of Birmingham's six February fixtures are against teams in the top half and their tricky month could get off to a disappointing start.

Key stat

Sheffield United have won six of their last eight league games.

Not got a bet365 account? Bet £10 & get £50 in free bets

Open account offer. Minimum deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as bet credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Minimum odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude bet credits stake. Time limits/T&Cs apply. 18+ begambleaware.org

CLAIM OFFER HERE

MORE FREE BETS

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport