Sheff Utd v Sunderland predictions: Stubborn Black Cats can extend unbeaten run

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Sheffield United v Sunderland in the Championship on Wednesday.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Main Event & Football, 8pm Wednesday

Best bet

Draw
1pt 13-5 bet365, Betfred

Team news

Sheffield United
Jack O'Connell, Jack Robinson and Chris Basham remain unavailable.

Sunderland
Dan Ballard (ankle) faces a spell on the sidelines.

Match preview

Sunderland have maintained their stubborn streak since winning promotion from League One and they can extend their unbeaten league sequence to 17 by taking a point against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

Championship football has not fazed the Black Cats, who have taken five points from three games and will feel they should have a couple more after conceding two late goals in Saturday's 2-2 draw at home to QPR.

Alex Neil's side looked home and hosed against QPR, leading 2-0 with 86 minutes gone, but they were on the wrong end of an extraordinary finish when visiting goalkeeper Seny Dieng levelled things up with a superb injury-time header.

Neil struggled to conceal his frustration in the post-match interview but he must be pleased with how his players have adapted to a higher division.

Sunderland have scored first in each of their three matches and carry a significant threat in attack thanks to the lively front two of Ross Stewart and Everton loanee Ellis Simms.

Stewart bagged 26 goals during last season's promotion-winning campaign and has stepped up to the Championship, contributing two goals and one assist.

The Scot was Sunderland's talisman last term but now he has considerable support from strike-partner Simms, who has scored three goals in three games.

Both were on target against QPR and they will ensure a busy night's work for Sheffield United's back three of Anel Ahmedhodzic, John Egan and Rhys Norrington-Davies.

United prefer to play with an element of risk and like to get their wide centre-backs forward when the opportunity arises.

However, they will be aware of the threat of Stewart and Simms and of the need to tighten up after Sunday's 2-2 draw at Middlesbrough.

The Blades conceded a late equaliser at the weekend to leave them with four points from a possible nine.

They were dominant 3-0 winners at home to Millwall in their opening home game and would be hopeful of continued excellence at Bramall Lane, where they won 44 of 75 points last term.

However, Blades manager Paul Heckingbottom is still going through the process of adding to his squad and may have to wait until the autumn to see more consistency.

For now Sunderland look the more settled of the teams and they can be hopeful of adding another point to their total.

Key stat

Sunderland are undefeated in their last 16 league games.

Inside info

Sheffield United

Penalty taker Billy Sharp
Assist ace Oliver Norwood
Set-piece aerial threat John Egan
Card magnet John Fleck

Sunderland

Penalty taker Ross Stewart
Assist ace Alex Pritchard
Set-piece aerial threat Ross Stewart
Card magnet Dennis Cirkin

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