Sunderland vs Sheffield United Prediction: Black Cats can pounce back

The New Year commences with a key clash in the Championship promotion race as fourth-placed Sunderland tussle with second-placed Sheffield United at the Stadium of Light (20:00 KO, live on Sky Sports Main Event).

Read on for my Sunderland vs Sheffield United predictions, featuring the latest odds and team news.

Sunderland vs Sheffield United Odds

Sunderland are 13/10 shots to take maximum points, while the draw is available to back at 12/5. A Sheffield United victory is priced up at 21/10.

A tight contest is anticipated with under 2.5 goals quoted at 4/6 and over under goals backable at 11/10.

Team News

Sunderland midfielder Chris Rigg (ankle) was injured in the 2-2 Boxing Day draw at Blackburn.

He joins Dan Ballard, Jenson Seelt, Niall Huggins, Alan Browne, Salis Abdul Samed, Tommy Watson, Ahmed Abdullahi and Romaine Mundle in a crowded treatment room.

For the visitors Tyrese Campbell (back) has missed the last month and Femi Seriki, Harry Souttar, Ollie Arblaster and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi are still out of contention.

Sunderland to win @ 21/20

Sunderland wrapped up 2024 in a disappointing fashion, but they can make a flying start to 2025 by defeating one of their promotion rivals.

Black Cats’ manager Regis Le Bris is missing a host of regulars, but his team performed at a high level in Sunday’s 1-0 loss at Stoke despite the result going against them.

A lack of ruthlessness cost Sunderland at Stoke where they dominated long periods of the game and won the shot count 22 to 11.

But they have been more reliable on Wearside where they are unbeaten since a 2-0 loss to Sheffield Wednesday on the final day of last season.

Sunderland’s squad depth has shone through and it might be key to beating the Blades, who appear less well equipped to cope with their own long list of injuries.

Chris Wilder’s bench for the 1-1 draw at home to West Brom included three players (Sam Colechin, Billy Blacker and Louie Marsh) without any Championship experience.

His team battled hard to earn a share of the points, but may pay for their efforts against Sunderland, who look a solid wager to secure the victory.

Jobe Bellingham to be carded @ 9/4

Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham turned 19 in September, but he is already one of his team’s most influential players.

Bellingham is an all-action midfielder with a goal threat (he has netted four times this season) and is among the most physical players in the division.

The teenager has picked up seven cards, the joint-highest among Sunderland players, so looks like a value 11/4 shot for another caution.

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