Sheff Utd v Middlesbrough predictions: Blades can cut through depleted opponents

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

Where to watch

Sky Sports Football, 12.30pm Saturday

Best bet

Sheffield United
1pt 20-23 BoyleSports, Coral

Match preview

The Championship promotion race has been heating up in recent weeks and it could eventually include mid-table Sheffield United, who look solid favourites to defeat Middlesbrough at Bramall Lane.

The Blades have taken 13 points from their five fixtures since the November international break and are targeting a fourth straight victory under Paul Heckingbottom, who has turned things around since replacing Slavisa Jokanovic in the dugout.

A managerial change has also worked wonders for Middlesbrough, who have taken 17 points from eight games under Chris Wilder.

The Teessiders cemented fifth place after Duncan Watmore's injury-time goal secured a dramatic 2-1 victory at Blackpool on Wednesday but they head to south Yorkshire with a depleted squad due to a combination of injuries and positive Covid tests.

Boro have been competitive in every game since Wilder's arrival but their squad is looking stretched and any weaknesses could be exploited by their in-form hosts.

Key stat

Sheffield United have won their last four matches.

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