Our tipster thinks that Roy Hodgson’s men may represent good value as they attempt to secure their first league win of the season at Bramall Lane
Sheffield United play host to Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
It will be the first top-flight fixture to be played at Bramall Lane in 12 years and the stage, then, is surely set for an electric atmosphere in South Yorkshire.
Latest odds
The Blades bagged a point against AFC Bournemouth at Vitality Stadium last weekend. Chris Wilder’s charges are available at 29/20 (2.45) with bet365 to claim their first win of the campaign at the second attempt.
Crystal Palace, too, were held in their opening match of the season, playing out a goalless draw with Everton at Selhurst Park. Roy Hodgson’s men are available at 2/1 (3.0) to pick up maximum points at Bramall Lane.
The odds compilers offer 21/10 (3.10) that both sides are again forced to settle for a share of the spoils.
Team news
Billy Sharp came off the bench to grab a late leveller for the Blades in Dorset last weekend. The Sheffield United captain will be hoping to have done enough for a starting spot ahead of United’s first home game of the season.
Jeffrey Schlupp, Mamadou Sakho and James Tomkins will all be assessed for the visitors after missing out last weekend. Wilfried Zaha is expected to start after coming off the bench at Selhurst Park in Palace’s opener against the Toffees.
Preview
Defensive discipline was pivotal to Sheffield United’s success last season. No team in the second tier conceded fewer goals than Wilder’s men last term, with fewer than three goals being scored in nine of the Blades’ last 11 matches at Bramall Lane last season.
Should those trends continue, there could be value in backing a low-scoring contest on Sunday. The 8/15 (1.53) quote from bet365 for fewer than three goals to be scored could prove popular, as could the 3/4 (1.75) on either side failing to find the net at Bramall Lane.
Prediction
Palace, though, will fancy their chances of chalking up their first win of the season this weekend. Hodgson’s men failed to find the net in just one of their final 12 Premier League away matches last season.
Furthermore, the Eagles scored at least three goals in six of their last 10 games on the road in this competition and the likely return of talisman Zaha will surely provide the south Londoners with a further, hugely significant fillip.
Value, therefore, could lie in backing Palace at 2/1 (3.0) minutes to spoil Sheffield United’s party at Bramall Lane on Sunday afternoon.
Odds correct at time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
Crystal Palace to win at 2/1 (3.0) for a 1pt stake at bet365
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