Sheffield United vs Watford Prediction: Sheffield have lost their last two games

Sheffield United will be looking to recover from back-to-back losses in their quest to secure a top position in the Championship table when they host Watford in a critical match on Saturday at Bramall Lane. Recently, the Blades' advantage over Middlesbrough, who are in third place, has dwindled to just four points. Meanwhile, their opponents, who are currently just outside the playoff positions, are only behind Millwall in fifth place and Luton Town in sixth place on goal difference.

Sheffield United’s Form

Sheffield United had a strong start to their campaign and continued to improve their position in the battle for automatic promotion to the Premier League after the World Cup break in late 2022. They went on an unbeaten run of 10 league matches, including eight wins, which widened their lead over the chasing pack to 10 points, with a game in hand on third-placed Middlesbrough. However, their hopes of climbing to the top flight were challenged when they hosted an in-form Middlesbrough side and lost 2-1, reducing their lead to seven points. They then suffered another setback when they lost to playoff-chasing Millwall in a highly competitive game. As a result, their lead over the third place was cut from 10 points to four, although they still have a game in hand. To maintain their spot in the top two, Sheffield United must return to their previous form and start with a home victory at the weekend.

Sheffield United’s possible starting lineup

Foderingham; Basham, Egan, Robinson; Bogle, Berge, Norwood, Doyle, Lowe; McBurnie, Ndiaye

Watford’s Form

Watford are aiming to strengthen their promotion bid this season, albeit through the playoffs, as they are currently sitting just outside the top six. Despite securing two consecutive victories against Norwich City and Blackpool in January, Slaven Bilic's team faced a difficult period with five winless games in the Championship. They were only able to draw with Rotherham United before losing to Middlesbrough. The team then drew against Reading and Blackburn Rovers before earning a more respectable point against Burnley in a 1-1 draw, even though they conceded a late equalizer. In their most recent match against West Bromwich Albion, Watford twice took the lead through Ken Sema and Ismaila Sarr but was pegged back both times before Sarr's deflected effort secured a 3-2 win for the home team. With a renewed sense of confidence and a narrow gap to fifth-placed Millwall and sixth-placed Luton Town, Watford will aim to secure another three points to move up the table.

Watford’s predicted lineup

Bachmann; Gaspar, Porteous, Hoedt, Morris; Kone, Choudhury; Sarr, Pedro, Sema; Davis

Sheffield United vs Watford expert tips

Sheffield United could still be struggling from two consecutive losses that have added more pressure to their promotion battle, while the Hornets may have received a boost in confidence from their recent crucial victory. As a result, we predict that the game at Bramall Lane on Saturday will most likely end in a Sheffield win as they need to bounce back from their recent weeks performance. The number of goals anticipated is above 2.5.