Sheffield United v Middlesbrough: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Pressure has been mounting for Middlesbrough, who had big ambitions at the start of the Championship season but who have found it tough to string positive results together.

However, they are capable of big performances and were 1-0 winners at home to Sheffield United last October.

A revenge mission will be attempted by the Blades, who are in the thick of the automatic promotion race.

Chris Wilder’s side have won their last two matches and will be anxious to keep up the pressure on Leeds United, Burnley and Sunderland, who are their rivals for a top-two finish.

Sheffield United v Middlesbrough betting tips and predictions

Middlesbrough draw no bet - 6/5

Boro have lacked consistency, but they are capable of beating anyone on their day and can overcome second-placed United in south Yorkshire.

With less than three months of the 46-game season left to play, the Teessiders are getting to the point where they need to perform.

The club has benefitted from continuously strong backing from chairman Steve Gibson, who might have expected the team to push for a top two finish.

But they find themselves outside of the play-offs and in need of a strong finish to make sure of a place in the top six.

Head coach Michael Carrick has remained fairly calm and composed, but he struggled to conceal his disappointment after last Monday’s 3-2 defeat at home to Sunderland.

His team had gone toe-to-toe with the Black Cats for large parts of the game but they were undone in the 87th minute when Enzo Le Fee’s cross was diverted into his own net by unfortunate Boro left-back Ryan Giles.

Boro were inactive at the weekend and the break may have given them time to reset and prepare properly for what feels like a key match in their season.

They are highly unlikely to catch United, who are 20 points better off, but beating the Blades would restore a sense of belief ahead of the 15 league games to follow.

United are facing a wounded animal and may struggle to avoid a Boro backlash. The Blades have won their last two games - 1-0 away to Derby and 2-1 at home to Portsmouth, but were unconvincing on both occasions.

Playing poorly and winning can be the sign of a good team, but United have lacked fluency for several weeks and the match against Boro could be the moment when their luck runs out.

Morgan Whittaker to score any time - 3/1

Middlesbrough had a good idea that they would be losing top scorer Emmanuel Latte Lath in the winter transfer window but they secured a quality replacement by snapping up Morgan Whittaker from Plymouth Argyle.

Whittaker helped the Pilgrims to win the League One title in 2022-23 and followed up by scoring 19 league goals in last season’s Championship campaign.

He looked lively on his Boro debut in the 3-2 loss to Sunderland and is a tempting 3/1 shot to net against the Blades.

George Edmundson to be carded - 11/4

Middlesbrough will be put under pressure by the home side, who favour a combative, direct style.

Boro’s centre-backs will be tested and it could be a particularly tricky night for George Edmundson, who has been carded eight times in 21 league appearances this season.

Edmundson has seen yellow in each of Boro’s last three road trips and looks a worthwhile wager for another caution at 11/4.

Read more football betting tips and predictions on site

Sheffield United v Middlesbrough odds

Sheffield United - 5/4
Draw - 12/5
Middlesbrough - 21/10

View the full market and more odds for Sheffield United v Middlesbrough on site

Read Sheffield United v Middlesbrough how to watch, TV channel, head-to-head stats and more on site

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.