Sheffield United v Sunderland: Prediction, Tips and Odds

A third of the way through the Championship season a mini-league has the potential of breaking away and Sheffield United and Sunderland can consider themselves part of that ahead of Friday's showdown at Bramall Lane.

Leeds United and Burnley are also involved in this group who could potentially break away from the rest of the division.

Just two points separate front-runners Leeds and fourth-placed Sunderland, who have dropped off the pace after their electric start to the campaign.

While unbeaten in their last 10 Championship games, it's the five draws on the bounce in their last five games that have prevented the Black Cats from keeping clear of the chasing pack.

Against a resilient United side who are unbeaten in their last six league games, the Blades and the Black Cats might well cancel each other out when they meet at Bramall Lane on Friday.

Sheffield United v Sunderland betting tips and predictions

Draw and both teams to score - 15/4

Given they have drawn their last five games in the Championship, it might be unsurprising another draw is predicted for Friday’s game in South Yorkshire.

Black Cats boss Regis Le Bris has made his side a tough nut to crack, with just two defeats in their opening 17 games of the league campaign.

It has been a tricky run of games for the Wearsiders, with a trip to Millwall followed by a home game against a resilient West Brom.

Next, the Black Cats head to Bramall Lane, where United have won all of their last seven home games without conceding a single goal.

These sides have the attacking quality to mean this game is unlikely to end in a goalless draw, but a draw is predicted nonetheless.

Tyrese Campbell anytime goalscorer - 12/5

Top goalscorer for the Blades in the Championship this season, Tyrese Campbell is a man in form ahead of Sunderland’s visit on Friday.

With goals against Sheffield Wednesday, Coventry City and Oxford United, Campbell has scored in all of the Blades’ last three games.

The 24-year-old has also scored in all of United’s last three home games at Bramall Lane and it would be little surprise to see the striker maintain his goalscoring run on Friday night.

Vinicius Souza to be booked - 3/1

With 42 yellow cards in their first 17 games of the Championship season, only Preston North End (50) have picked up more at this stage of the campaign than the hosts.

Earning six yellow cards already this term, Vinicius Souza is a player worth considering to add to his booking collection on Friday night against the Black Cats.

Only Ben Whiteman of Preston and Watford’s Ryan Porteous have picked up more yellows than Souza.

The Brazilian defensive midfielder will be determined to help the Blades win the battle in the middle of the park in what is likely to be cagey contest at Bramall Lane.

Given he has picked up six yellows in 16 games already this season and has to deal with the likes of Jobe Bellingham and Dan Neil in the middle of the park, Sousa looks good value for another yellow card at 3/1.

Read more football betting tips and predictions on site

Sheffield United v Sunderland odds

Sheffield United - 1/1
Draw - 12/5
Sunderland - 11/4

View the full market and more odds for Sheffield United v Sunderland 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.