Sheffield United and Cardiff City are battling it out at opposite ends of the Championship table but injuries for the Blades may be a leveller when they meet in the third round of the FA Cup at Bramall Lane on Thursday.
Bluebirds boss Omer Riza has steadied the ship somewhat since Erol Bulut’s departure but a cup run would be a major boost to his chances of keeping the job beyond this season.
Cardiff or draw double chance - 19/20
Cardiff have had a campaign to forget and are currently struggling just three points off the foot of the Championship table.
However, there have been some more positive signs of late, as they have beaten Watford and held Coventry and Middlesbrough to stalemates in their last three games.
Riza’s men will be looking to build on that with a decent cup performance after crashing out in the third round in three of the last four seasons.
They may be playing Sheffield United at the perfect time, given the injury issues that Chris Wilder’s side are experiencing.
Harry Souttar, Vinicius Souza, Oliver Arblaster, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, Femi Seriki, Jamie Shackleton and Tyrese Campbell are all confirmed absentees, while key men Gustavo Hamer, Callum O’Hare and Tom Davies face late fitness tests after playing almost every minute for the team of late.
The Blades were out on their feet at the end of Saturday’s 2-1 win away at Watford and having just four days to recover from that frenetic affair may not be enough for this beleaguered squad.
Their injury concerns mean that they have lost two of their last four games and drawn another, a run which has seen them relinquish their grip on top spot in a competitive race for promotion from the second tier.
While undoubtedly the Blades have the stronger team, their injury issues make them hard to trust and Wilder may choose to rest many of his biggest names, with returning to the Premier League the priority.
Cardiff have drawn seven of their 13 away games this season and, given the plight of their hosts, they should be able to avoid defeat in this clash after regulation time.
If this match does finish all-square after 90 minutes, then extra time and penalties will be required to separate the sides, with replays having been abolished for this season.
Rubin Colwill to score or assist - 15/8
Cardiff were dealt a big blow when Callum Robinson was sent off against Coventry recently, rendering him suspended for this cup tie.
However, it will provide Rubin Colwill with an opportunity to step up and lead the line for the Bluebirds, as he did last time out against Middlesbrough.
The 22-year-old has been getting in the right positions in the Championship this season, registering an expected goals figure of 3.3, but he has only found the net once.
An upturn in his finishing could be around the corner but he has been a creative spark too, providing four assists, and he should be heavily involved again on Thursday.
Sydie Peck to be booked - 15/4
Sheffield United’s injuries have meant they have had to rely heavily on the contributions of young midfielder Sydie Peck this season.
The 20-year-old has started 18 games this term and looks likely to add to that tally once again given how full the Blades treatment room is.
The central midfielder has picked up five yellow cards in all competitions and looks overpriced for another in this game.
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Sheffield United - 4/5
Draw - 11/4
Cardiff City - 16/5
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.