Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Championship match.
What other match could be scheduled for Sunday if not the Steel City Derby? While it doesn’t have the glamour of an Arsenal vs Chelsea clash or the EFL Cup final, it’s certainly worth catching at least the first half before the London showdown.
Sheffield Wednesday
Although Sheffield Wednesday have had a weaker season with no realistic hopes of promotion, the city derby remains finely balanced historically. Across their 135-year rivalry, Sheffield United have won 50 times, Sheffield Wednesday 48, with 47 draws. Due to Sheffield United bouncing between the Championship and the Premier League while Sheffield Wednesday dropped into League One before returning last autumn, there was a five-year break between these clashes.
Sheffield United
Sheffield United won the reverse fixture earlier this season (1:0) and have been dominant at Bramall Lane, failing to take points in just three of their 19 home matches. They have only lost at home to fellow title challengers Leeds United and Burnley, as well as surprisingly against Hull City. Away from home, they boast the best record in the league, with 37 points from 18 games and a five-match winning streak.
Sheffield Wednesday vs Sheffield United Prediction
Despite sitting 11th overall, Sheffield Wednesday rank just 23rd in the home table with 22 points. Their success this season has come on the road, where they are fifth-best in the league. They claimed back-to-back away wins in their last two matches (6:2 aggregate), but at Hillsborough, they suffered consecutive defeats. There’s little to think about here—Sheffield United will claim their 51st Steel City Derby win.
