Sheff Utd v Middlesbrough betting tips, preview, TV channel & team news

Sky Sports Action, 7.45pm Wednesday

Sheffield United missed the chance to go top of the Sky Bet Championship when sharing the spoils in an astonishing 3-3 draw at Aston Villa on Friday and they may have to settle for another point when taking on Middlesbrough at Bramall Lane.

The ambitious, energetic nature of United's football is worthy of high praise but hasn't been accompanied by enough good results against promotion rivals.

In games against the top seven the Blades have won two, drawn one and lost five, including a 3-0 defeat at Middlesbrough in their second match of the campaign.

United manager Chris Wilder will not change his approach but will be forced into one key personnel change with right-sided centre-back Chris Basham starting a two-game ban - Martin Cranie is preparing to deputise.

And it says everything about United's cavalier style of play that Basham will be missed at least as much for his attacking qualities as for his defensive nous.

While United will look to dominate possession and get numbers forward, Middlesbrough will take the opposite approach – sitting in and looking to make the most of counter-attacks and set-pieces.

It is a tactic which has grated with supporters but Boro have not been outside the top six since August and their defensive record – 23 goals conceded – is the best in the division.

Tony Pulis's cautious style has contributed to a lot of tight encounters, including 12 draws in 30 league games.

But Pulis isn't going to suddenly change his method and would probably settle for another stalemate in one of his team's toughest fixtures of the campaign.

Boro's set-up makes them hard to play against and seems to suit them against bigger teams.

They have lost just once in nine fixtures against the top seven and another disciplined, rearguard action can earn them a point in South Yorkshire.

Recommendation
Draw
1pt 12-5 Hills

Team news
Sheffield United
Scott Hogan returns to the squad having been ineligible to face parent club Aston Villa on Friday. Chris Basham starts a two-game ban.

Middlesbrough
George Saville (ankle) and Lewis Wing (groin) shook off minor injuries to start at the weekend and are likely to continue.

Key stat
Middlesbrough are unbeaten in their last six league games.

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport

Like us on Facebook RacingPostSport