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Championship | Gameweek 20

Nov 28, 2021 at 12.30pm UK

Bramall Lane

Sheff Utd
2 - 0
Bristol City

Brewster (40'), Sharp (89')
Gibbs-White (31'), Sharp (78'), Davies (90+8')

FT(HT: 1-0)

Bentley (20'), O'Dowda (28'), Martin (39'), Weimann (84')

Preview: Sheffield United vs. Bristol City - prediction, team news, lineups

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 26 November 2021

Sports Mole previews Sunday's Championship clash between Sheffield United and Bristol City, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Paul Heckingbottom begins his reign as Sheffield United boss with a home fixture against Bristol City on Sunday afternoon.

Both teams are locked on the same points in the Championship standings, currently occupying 16th and 18th place respectively.

Match preview

Sheffield United interim manager Paul Heckingbottom on May 8, 2021 © Reuters

On the back of defeating Reading on Tuesday night, the expectancy was that Slavisa Jokanovic had brought himself some more time in the Sheffield United dugout.

However, with just 23 points being collected from 19 matches, the Blades hierarchy opted to make a change, reappointing former caretaker boss Heckingbottom on a long-term contract.

There will be sections of Sheffield United supporters who will have mixed feeling about the decision with Heckingbottom being given terms until the end of the 2025-26 campaign.

Nevertheless, they have been craving stability since the departure of Chris Wilder earlier in the year, and Heckingbottom will be given time to get things right at the Yorkshire club.

His first task will be improving Sheffield United's home form, their current streak seeing them go three games without success at Bramall Lane.

Bristol City manager Nigel Pearson pictured on September 25, 2021 © Reuters

There have been times this season when Nigel Pearson has been fortunate to keep his job at Ashton Gate, the Robins having recently slipped down the table after five defeats in six matches.

However, collecting four points from games against Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City have helped stabilise Bristol City, putting them eight points clear of the relegation zone.

While they are the same margin adrift of the playoffs, Pearson's focus will be on moving further clear of danger, and he will be optimistic that they can achieve that on the back of their improvements since the international break.

That said, they make the trip up North having posted three consecutive defeats on their travels, their sole triumph in five coming in a thriller at Peterborough United at the start of October.

Sheffield United Championship form:

Bristol City Championship form:

Team News

Sander Berge in action for Sheffield United on October 31, 2020 © Reuters

Sander Berge or Conor Hourihane will replace midfielder John Fleck, who has been ruled out for the foreseeable future after collapsing against Reading.

Billy Sharp may potentially come into the team ahead of Rhian Brewster, but the remainder of the starting lineup could stay the same.

Pearson could be forced into at least one change with Bristol City defender Nathan Baker picking up a knock in midweek.

Rob Atkinson is on standby to return to the defence, while Han-Noah Massengo is pushing for an opportunity in midfield.

The likes of George Tanner, Matty James and Andy King are all expected to remain on the sidelines.

Sheffield United possible starting lineup:
Foderingham; Basham, Egan, Davies; Bogle, Norwood, Berge, Stevens; Gibbs-White, McGoldrick; Brewster

Bristol City possible starting lineup:
Bentley; Vyner, Atkinson, Kalas; Scott, Williams, Massengo, Bakinson, O'Dowda; Martin, Weimann

SM words green background

We say: Sheffield United 1-1 Bristol City

Heckingbottom will want to deliver three points with an attack-minded performance on Sunday. Nevertheless, there is a certain degree of pressure on him and his team's shoulders, leading us to predict a low-scoring draw at Bramall Lane.

Data Analysis

Our analysis of all available data, including recent performances and player stats up until an hour before kickoff, suggested the most likely outcome of this match was a Sheffield United win with a probability of 57.65%. A draw had a probability of 23.8% and a win for Bristol City had a probability of 18.55%.

The most likely scoreline for a Sheffield United win was 1-0 with a probability of 13.19%. The next most likely scorelines for that outcome were 2-0 (11.26%) and 2-1 (9.61%). The likeliest drawn scoreline was 1-1 (11.25%), while for a Bristol City win it was 0-1 (6.59%). The actual scoreline of 2-0 was predicted with an 11.3% likelihood. Our data analysis correctly predicted that Sheffield United would win this match.