Sheffield United v Bristol City

The red card to Rob Dickie in the first leg seems likely to be the pivotal moment that will be key to deciding the outcome of this tie, as Bristol City now need to overturn a three-goal deficit away from home.

This would be an unprecedented feat in the EFL play-offs, but perhaps inspiration can be drawn from Sheffield United’s city rivals, who came back from a 0-4 first leg defeat in the 2023 League One play-offs.

⭐ Sheffield United v Bristol City Best Bet

➡️ Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.0 on bet365 ↔️

It is a bit more difficult to work out the pattern of the match with the strong lead that United bring into this.

There is clearly more onus on Bristol City to come forward and attack, with the volume of goals that they need, attacking intent has to be part of their gameplan. One of the problems with this is that this is an approach that doesn’t really mesh well with Liam Manning’s usual tactical plan.

Looking back at instances where there has been a big first leg victory in the play-offs can help with potentially predicting a second leg outcome:

Only Sheffield Wednesday have successfully mounted a comeback, and, in history, it is more likely for the team with the advantage to extend that, than the other team come back.

One strong theme, and what is our best bet for the match, is goals. The 2008 Doncaster v Southend tie petered out into a 0-0, and that could happen if there is no breakthrough early on, but in every other case, the over 2.5 goal line has been breached.

Over 2.5 goals can be backed at 2.0, it is the outsider of the lines, which is an appealing option given the historical patterns.

👕 Sheffield United v Bristol City Predicted XI

🔍 Sheffield United v Bristol City Players to Watch

🔴 Sydie Peck

Peck extended his recent shooting statistics with another four efforts in the first leg. This means that he now averages 2.87 shots per 90 over Sheffield United’s last 10 matches, and has taken four shots in each of his last two matches, and in three of his last four starts.

He has broken the over 1.5 shot barrier in seven of his last eight starts.

➡️ Sydie Peck - Over 1.5 Shots @ 2.37 on bet365 ↔️

🔴 Gustavo Hamer

Hamer has been Sheffield United’s most consistent attacking threat when taking the season as a whole. He averages 2.63 shots per 90 throughout the Championship season as a whole, including taking ten shots in his last four matches.

He has covered the two or more shot line in 11 of his last 17 starts, which includes taking three in the first leg of this match.

➡️ Gustavo Hamer - Over 1.5 Shots & Over 0.5 Fouls @ 1.70 on bet365

⚪ Ross McCrorie

Though McCrorie’s attacking capabilities were cut down by the red card incident, he had shown plenty of intent before that and got a shot off in the first half, one of only three Bristol City players to have a shot in the match.

With City desperately needing goals, it feels likely that McCrorie will be encouraged to display his attacking credentials to help the cause.

➡️ Ross McCrorie - Over 1.5 Shots @ 2.62 on bet365 ↔️

📂 Sheffield United v Bristol City Cheat Sheet

The next few weeks will bring plenty more EFL action, and our expert Football Betting Predictions will be diving into all the action. Make sure to check out our EFL Betting Tips so you don’t miss any of our coverage.

Our Monday offering also extends to a Goals Algorithm Acca, as well as our Atalanta v Roma Quick Tips. Check out the best Sheffield United v Bristol City Betting Stats ahead of kick-off, as well as Gem Bets.

Be sure to check out our Bet Builder Stats tool too, the best freely available data source for punting on football, plus our collection of the best Free Bet Offers.

📋 What did We Learn from the First Leg?

It was a match that was massively affected by the sending off on the stroke of half-time, but even before that Sheffield United had shown that they were deserving favourites.

Bristol City had a lot of possession, 70% in the first half, but managed only three shots, albeit Joe Williams did come closest to scoring with a rasping long range drive that hit the bar. In the same period, Sheffield United managed seven shots, with four on target, generating 1.67 xG, though that does include Harrison Burrows’ penalty.

Looking into other markets that can be bet on, Bristol City committed more fouls in total, 10 to 8, and also in the first half when it was 11 v 11 when they committed five fouls to Sheff Utd’s three. Sheffield United also won more corners in the match, five to two, an advantage that was narrower in the first half though.

From a player perspective, Sydie Peck was Sheffield United’s chief shot taker with four, albeit he totalled 0.2 xG only. Peck was a good price for shots in the first leg and is likely to be a good selection again in the second leg. Gustavo Hamer had three shots, Kieffer Moore contributed two, and Callum O’Hare came off the bench to take two shots as well. Bristol City only managed four shots in total, with Anis Mehmeti taking two, including their only second half effort.

Sinclair Armstrong, of the players off the bench, was a standout in terms of fouls committed with three. Moore, Max Bird, Anel Ahmedhodzic, and Jack Robinson all committed two each. Jason Knight was the only player who was fouled more than once in the match; three times, the Irish international was fouled.

There were few tackles attempted in general, only 12 in total. Hamer, Mehmeto, and sub George Earthy all attempted two tackles.

🏁 Sheffield United v Bristol City Ref Watch

• Referee: Peter Bankes

• Stats are on a per 90 basis and are taken from Bankes' 2024/25 games in all competitions (26 total)

Football Predictions at Andy's Bet Club

We recommend the Best Betting Sites For Accumulators, Top Bet Builder Sites, and Weekly Free Bet Clubs, all to ensure you bet smarter when backing our tips with the Best UK Sports Betting Sites. There's a list of the best New Bookmaker Offers here.

Expert guides, such as this one, on xG In Football, are also available to help you up your punting game. To back the bets in this preview, it's worth taking advantage of this bet365 Sign Up Offer. There's a Paddy Power Sign Up Offer available, too.

* I recommend waiting for confirmed team line-ups before placing any bets.

* All odds displayed correct at the time of publishing.