Our betting expert expects a Blades victory at Bramall Lane as Ruben Selles’ tenure as manager gets underway against the Robins.
Best bets for Sheffield United vs Bristol City
All odds are courtesy of Sky Bet, correct at the time of publishing and subject to change.
- Sheffield United to win @ 7/10 with Sky Bet
- Both teams to score @ 4/5 with Sky Bet
- Over 2.5 goals @ 4/5 with Sky Bet
Home advantage for the Blades
Ruben Selles will be desperate to make Bramall Lane a fortress this season as they go in search of promotion once again. Chris Wilder’s exit makes them a different kind of opposition, but the Spaniard is highly rated. A lot has changed since the two sides met in the play-offs, but United still have the upper hand.
The Blades are seen as favourites, and with good reason, but it’s been a hot and cold summer for them on the transfer front. Louie Barry, Tyler Bindon and Djibril Soumare are all good additions. However, they lost Vini Souza and Keiffer Moore, and could be set to see Anel Ahmedhodžić move on too - all will be missed.
Still, United boast depth and quality. With plenty to figure out for Gruber at City, home advantage should play out.
- Sheffield United vs Bristol City Bet 1: Sheffield United to win @ 7/10 with Sky Bet
An entertaining encounter
United blitzed City in their last two meetings, winning 6-0 on aggregate in the play-off semi-final before losing to Sunderland. However, things are expected to be a lot closer this time around. Changes have taken place at both clubs, and neither manager will be completely sure of his best XI just yet.
The Robins have scored 12 goals in six pre-season games, including four in their most recent one, while the Blades have got 19 in five. Selles’ side ran OGC Nice close in a 3-2 defeat last week, and appear to have plenty of goals in them. Whether it’s Tom Cannon or Tyrese Campbell leading the line, they’re a threat.
Both sides will see weakness in the other that can be exploited, and that should make for an interesting tie. There should be goals at both ends.
- Sheffield United vs Bristol City Bet 2: Both teams to score @ 4/5 with Sky Bet
Look at the goals market
As aforementioned, both sides have goals in them. Neither side ranked particularly high in the over 2.5 goal market last season, but with new managers at the helm, that could change. Three of the last four meetings between these two resulted in two or more goals, and there hasn’t been a 0-0 since 2008.
Wilder took United to the brink last season, so there will be a lot of pressure on Selles to finish the job - and do so in style. The club’s new owners expect more goals and more expansive play, so he’ll be eager to deliver that.
City aren’t the favourites, and after the last meetings, there aren't too many expectations. They do have a bit of a free hit in this one.
- Sheffield United vs Bristol City Bet 3: Over 2.5 goals @ 4/5 with Sky Bet
Sheffield United vs Bristol City Preview: Blades backed to deal with Robins test
Sheffield United head into this season off the back of a disappointing end to the 2024/25 campaign, as the Blades lost the play-off final thanks to a last-minute goal from Tom Watson as they lost in dramatic fashion to Sunderland.
The Blades subsequently got rid of Chris Wilder for the second time in the last few years and replaced with him former Hull and Reading boss Ruben Selles, with Bristol City themselves also changing their manager after disappointment last year.
The Robins did very well to make the playoffs last year, however they suffered a 6-0 aggregate loss to today's opponents, with City then losing manager Liam Manning then being snapped up by Norwich following the Robins' strong showing last year.
Sheffield United are slight favourites for the win today given the strength of their squad, however they have since lost Vini Souza, Anel Ahmedhodzic and Kieffer Moore, all players that played middling-to-big roles for them last year, especially the first two.
This evening's game will be a good test for both teams given they're under new managers and both still in the league despite making the playoffs last year, with the bookies expecting the home side to come out on top in a tight affair given the odds.
Probable lineups for Sheffield United vs Bristol City
Sheffield United expected lineup: Cooper, Seriki, Robinson, Bindon, Burrows, Peck, Caceres, Hamer, Ukaki, Cannon, Barry
Bristol City expected lineup: Thomas, Tanner, Vyner, Atkinson, McCrorie,Knight, Randell, Hirakawa, Mehmeti, Twine, Riis