Prediction and odds for the game: Manchester City (1/5) v Sheffield United (13/)
We are backing the under 2.5 goals at odds of 7/4.
When: Sunday 29th December 2019, Kick-off 6 PM
Where: The Etihad Stadium
Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City will look to return to winning ways when they welcome Sheffield United to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday evening.
Manchester City
The home sides title defence took another turn for the worse on Friday, as Pep Guardiola’s side suffered a 3-2 defeat at Wolves after the sending off of goalkeeper Ederson.
The defeat ended a four-game winning run in all competitions for City and leaves the champions a massive 14 points behind league leaders Liverpool in the title race.
The consistency that City have built their last two title-winning campaigns seems to have vanished this season, as they have now won two and lost two of their last four league matches. However, they have remained consistent in front of goal of late, scoring at least twice in six of their last seven games in the English top-flight.
City’s recent home form has been good in the English top-flight, as they have won four of their last five games in the Premier League at the Etihad Stadium. Guardiola’s team have once again been impressive in front of goal on home soil, scoring at least twice in seven of their last nine matches.
Sheffield United
The visitors head into this potentially difficult clash on an unbeaten run of four games in the Premier League. A 1-1 draw against Watford on boxing day ended a three-game winning run in the top-flight for the Blades. They have dumfounded their critics, who labelled Chris Wilder’s team relegation fodder at the beginning of the season. In fact, the Blades are now just three points off the Champions League spots.
United’s recent Premier League games have been low-scoring and tight affairs, with under 2.5 goals scored in five of their last six outings in the English top-flight.
The Blades have been a difficult team to beat on their travels in the Premier League of late, as they are currently nine matches unbeaten away from home in the English top-flight. However, six of those games have finished all-square.
Unsurprisingly, seven of the Blades nine away games in the Premier League this season have produced under 2.5 goals. They are famed for their stellar defensive record, but that could be tested at the Etihad Stadium.
Conclusion
In truth, this is a minefield when it comes to betting. City are obviously favourites, but Sheffield United are hard to beat. If you are brave then the draw at odds of 6/1 could offer some value, but that would be a punt.
We are backing the under 2.5 goals in this game, despite City’s prolific recent goalscoring record. The Blades are just so well organised that we believe they will not concede a hatful of goals in Manchester.
The other bet we are recommending is Raheem Sterling as an anytime goalscorer, as the England international has scored five times in his last four appearances for City. If anybody is going to breach the Blades defence then it is likely to be Sterling.
Verdict: Back the under 2.5 goals scored at odds of 7/4 and/or Raheem Sterling to be an anytime goalscorer at odds of 5/6. (All odds are taken from Bet365).
[geosnippet id=3620]Are you looking for a bookmaker to place your bet on Manchester City v Sheffield United, then check out our betting page. Our soccer predictions page also has plenty more tips for forthcoming games.
Will Manchester City bounce back to winning ways against Sheffield United?
