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Sheffield United lock horns with Stoke City as matchday 12 of the EFL Championship beckons. The two sides are perched in opposite halves of the points table.
Chris Wilder's Sheffield are coming off a 2-0 loss at Leeds United in midweek. The hosts scored twice in the final 21 minutes, with Sheffield managing no shot on target at Elland Road. Their second straight loss leaves the Blades in fifth place in the standings, with 19 points from 11 games, six points off leaders Sunderland.
Meanwhile, Narcis Pelach's Stoke are fresh off a 2-2 home draw with Bristol City in midweek. The Potters scored twice in the opening 12 minutes, but Bristol fought back in the second half through a two-minute Nahki Wells brace. Following the stalemate, Stoke are 17th in the points table with 12 points from 11 games.
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On that note, here's a look at the head-to-head and key stats, match prediction, and betting tips for the Sheffield-Stoke Championship clash at Bramall Lane.
Sheffield United vs Stoke City head-to-head and key stats
- In 110 meetings across competitions, Sheffield lead Stoke 44-36, winning their last clash 3-1 at home in the Championship in January 2023.
- The two teams have split their last five meetings - all in the Championship - with each team winning twice apiece.
- The Blades are unbeaten at home this season, winning five of six games across competitions, including the last four.
- Stoke have two wins and as many defeats in their last five road outings.
- Form guide (last five games across competitions, most recent result first): Sheffield: L-L-W-W-D; Stoke: D-D-D-W-L
Sheffield United vs Stoke City prediction
The two sides have had contrasting starts to the season. While Sheffield have had a minor blip in form, they are perched in the top five, behind fourth-placed West Bromwich Albion on goal difference.
The Blades also enjoy a head-to-head advantage over Stoke, but recent meetings have been more even. However, Sheffield have been a force to be reckoned with at home this season and have beaten Stoke six times in 10 home league meetings, losing twice. Moreover, the Potters haven't scored in their last three road outings in the league.
Sheffield are looking to win five home league games at home without conceding for the first time since March 2019, when they won seven. Considering their rousing home form, we expect the Blades to eke out a comfortable win.
Prediction: Sheffield United 2-0 Stoke City
Sheffield United vs Stoke City betting tips
Tip-1: Sheffield to win
Tip-2: Sheffield to keep a clean sheet: Yes (They have had clean sheets in their last four home games.)
Tip-3: Over 1.5 goals: Yes (Nine of their last 11 meetings have had at least two goals.)
