Sunday sees the return of the Steel City derby as Sheffield Wednesday welcome arch rivals Sheffield United to Hillsborough in what will be the first league meeting for the two sides since 2012. Both clubs have spent recent seasons in the third tier of English football (League 1) but following United’s promotion last term – the two clubs are back in the Championship and have made positive starts to their respective seasons.
Sheffield Wednesday vs Sheffield United
Sky Bet Championship – Hillsborough – Sunday 24th September 2017, Kick-off: 13.15 GMT
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Draw Best Odd of: 8/1 at Ladbrokes |
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Sheffield Wednesday
Sheffield UnitedSheffield Wednesday
The Owls are unbeaten in the Championship since an opening day defeat to Preston at Deepdale back in August.
The form of Gary Hooper has grabbed the headlines this term – with the former Celtic man has scored 5 goals in all competitions this term – including 4 in his last 4 consecutive Championship matches and he will pose a serious threat to the Blades defence.
Carlos Carvahal has a wealth of attacking options at his disposal with Jordan Rhodes, Steven Fletcher and Atdhe Nuhiu also in his ranks and he’ll be desperate to get 3 points and bragging rights within the city.
Sheffield United
The Blades have made a comfortable return to the Championship and Chris Wilder’s men currently sit in 6th place in the table – three places above their local rivals back in 9th.
Wilder looks to have used the positive vibe around the club effectively and has recruited players with Championship knowhow and put them alongside some of his star performers from last season’s League One promotion campaign.
Billy Sharp has been synonymous with the club for many years and has already scored 4 goals in all competitions this term although there are question marks over his fitness going into this one – with Ched Evans set to deputise in his place.
Head to Head
Incredibly, these two bitter rivals possess a identical records – both teams have each won 48 of their previous meetings with 44 draws taking place between the pair – putting an extra emphasis on both sides to get one over their neighbours.
As mentioned, this is the first meeting between these 2 sides since 2012 – a match that Wednesday pinched 1-0, with Chris O’Grady scoring the decisive goal.
Odds and Predictions
With so much at stake, this game looks likely to be a cagey affair.
Under 2.5 goals in the game looks shrewd at 8/11 with Bet 365.
Both teams have been in good form this term and no quarter will be given.
The match to finish as a draw represents good value at 9/4 with Coral.
Gary Hooper’s form has been superb of late and he’d dearly love to keep his good run going here.
Gary Hooper to score anytime is overpriced at 9/5 with UniBet.
There is no love lost between these two sides and tempers can often flare in local derbies.
A red card in the match looks likely at 11/4 with Paddy Power.
Score Prediction
Sheffield Wednesday 1 – 1 Sheffield United – 6/1 with William Hill
Top Betting Tip
This is one of the biggest fixtures in British football and shouldn’t disappoint – both sides look evenly matched though and they should cancel each other out.
A draw at half time and at full time is an enticing 17/4 with Bet Victor.