SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY v SHEFFIELD UNITED - STEEL CITY STALEMATE?
This will be the first Steel City Derby for nearly 2 years due to Sheffeld United’s fleeting visit to the Premier League. Neither side can claim to be on form as the Owls flirt with relegation whilst the Blades struggle to climb out of the bottom half of the table despite being one of the pre-season favourites for promotion.
It is United who have dominated the recent head to head record between these two sides. The Blades have won the last 3 encounters and have lost just one League Derby out of the last 8 (4 wins). However, that was under the charismatic Neil Warnock who is currently producing miracles down at Selhurst Park with Crystal Palace, instead Bryan Robson is in charge and he desperately needs a result to kick-start his season and keep his job.
Robbo has not had the best of times since coming to Bramall Lane as the Blades have struggled for consistency. Last weekend’s home League victory over QPR gave him some much needed breathing space after going 4 games without a win as the patience of the home fans began to wear a bit thin. Despite possessing the 2nd highest top scorer in the division in the shape of former England international James Beattie (currently injured), the Blades have struggled recently for goals. They have failed to score in 6 of the last 11 matches including the last 3 away games. With just 6 points between them and 6th placed Crystal Palace, a play-off place is still a possibility but Robson needs to get them winning sooner rather than later.
If things look bleak for United, then spare a thought for their near neighbours Sheffield Wednesday. The Owls sit 1 point above the drop-zone and have endured a torrid season. They began the season with 6 consecutive defeats but rallied between October and November to climb the table. However, since the start of December, Wednesday have slid down the table as 1 win in 8 matches illustrates (5 defeats).
With both Steel City sides desperately needing a win, expect a hard fought match, likely to end in a draw but it may be worth backing the away win as well as the Blades have a good recent record in these derbies.
Pundit’s Pick: All square at Hillsborough (draw)
Tags: 19/01/08, Blades, Owls, Sheffield United, Sheffield Wednesday
