Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Championship match.
At last, the burden has lifted for Sheffield United. No, they were not promoted to the English Premier League, nor have they secured their status in the Championship. It was simply that in matchday seven they collected their first points and a win. However, plenty of work remains, and the team must not relax ahead of the next opponents — Southampton.
Sheffield United
No one expected to see Sheffield United at the foot of the standings — rather, the expectation was that they would be in the upper reaches, only for the appointment of Rubén Sellés to unsettle those plans. It was a positive step that the board acknowledged the mistake and dismissed the manager in good time. The return of Christopher Wilder was an even more valuable move, and the timing proved spot on: in the second match after his return, they beat Oxford United (1:0). It was not the toughest opponent, but the team were bold at Kassam Stadium. The win looked close to perfect: only 0.48 xG, six shots and two on target. Yes, there were few attempts, but the efficiency was excellent.
Southampton
Southampton were relegated only recently, and they are not far from a further slide in the English pyramid. To avoid repeating Luton Town’s fate last season, they need to start winning on a consistent basis, yet, as luck would have it, next up on the fixture list came Middlesbrough, leaders both by position and by performance. Even at St Mary’s Stadium they could not beat them (1:1). The team were wasteful — just two shots on target from 14 attempts, and the goal arrived with their first effort on target.
Sheffield United vs Southampton Prediction
That is why even Sheffield United, who have scored only twice so far, have a very realistic chance of winning. We would not say this is an absolute certainty, because the market sees little between the sides. However, with these attacking numbers, the under market looks the most likely outcome. We can even take it with a small cushion.
