Sheffield United host Birmingham City at Bramall Lane in a clash between two sides with contrasting fortunes this season. The Blades are fighting to escape the relegation zone, while the Blues struggle for consistency on the road.
The state of play
Sheffield United sit 18th in the Championship with 26 points from 21 matches, just four points above the bottom three. Chris Wilder has overseen an improvement since returning to the club, with the Blades going on a six-game unbeaten streak before it was ended by a 2-0 defeat at West Brom last time out.
Despite that setback, there are signs of progress. The Blades have won three of their last five matches and remain unbeaten in four games at Bramall Lane. Wilder will be hoping that home advantage proves crucial once again.
Birmingham City are 13th with 28 points, their struggle for consistency highlighted by one of the worst away records in the division. The Blues have managed just eight points from 11 away matches this season, losing seven of those games.
A 1-1 draw against Charlton Athletic last time out continued their frustrating run. Despite the talent throughout their squad following heavy summer investment, Chris Davies' side have failed to hit the heights expected of them.
Team news
Sheffield United's Callum O'Hare remains the creative heartbeat with six assists, four goals and a standout 1.72 expected assists. He is crucial to the Blades' attacking output.
Birmingham will rely on their collective approach, with no individual dominating the scoring charts but 18 assists and 30 goals spread across the squad. Jay Stansfield and Kyogo Furuhashi offer pace and movement in attack.
Key battle
Sheffield United's aerial threat (480 aerial duels won, 610 touches in opposition box) against Birmingham's ball retention (56.1% possession average) will be the key tactical battle. Set pieces could prove decisive for the hosts.
Head-to-head
These teams have been evenly matched in recent years, with four draws, three Birmingham wins and two Sheffield victories in the last nine meetings. The most recent encounter saw Birmingham edge a tight League Cup tie 2-1 at home.
Prediction
Birmingham's dreadful away record is a major concern. Sheffield United should be able to capitalise on home advantage, though the Blues have enough quality to stay competitive. A tight affair beckons.
Prediction: Sheffield United 2-1 Birmingham
