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Mansfield Town will take on Sheffield United on Sunday, 9 August, in the first round of the 2026/27 Carabao Cup.
With both clubs set to begin their domestic seasons next weekend, a win here is arguably more important than normal, given that nobody wants to start the new season on the back of a defeat.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Mansfield Town vs Sheffield United key stats
- Sheffield United have not lost a single match all pre-season.
- Mansfield have lost two of their last three pre-season matches.
- A total of seven goals were scored when the teams met in the FA Cup last season.
Mansfield Town vs Sheffield United preview: Visitors to make it through
Mansfield Town vs Sheffield United — Tale of the Tape
| Mansfield Town | vs | Sheffield United |
|---|---|---|
| N/A | Position | N/A |
| N/A | Points | N/A |
| N/A | Goals For | N/A |
| N/A | Goals Against | N/A |
| N/A | Clean Sheets | N/A |
| N/A | Home / Away Rank | N/A |
After finishing in 10th position last season, Mansfield Town are preparing for a serious push for the League One playoffs this season, but before all that, they will look to knock Sheffield United out of the Carabao Cup.
It is the second consecutive season that the two clubs have been drawn to play each other in domestic action, with Mansfield coming out on top 4-3 in a thrilling FA Cup clash last January.
Manager Nigel Clough, who is preparing for his sixth full season in charge of the club, will be hoping for a similar outcome this time around, and logic suggests they have an even better chance this week as this tie is at home.
In some ways, Sunday marks the dawn of a new era at Mansfield as it will be their first match since Will Evans, who scored 22 goals for them last season, left for Plymouth.
As for Sheffield United, they are coming out the other end of a confusing summer.
On one hand, they have gone unbeaten across all of their pre-season matches, but on the other hand, Chris Wilder is reportedly frustrated with the club's transfer business.
If the Blades are to mount a serious push for promotion this season, there is a feeling that they are going to need at least a couple more first-team signings.
Gustavo Hamer is seemingly on the verge of joining Coventry City in the Premier League, so the midfielder will play no part here.
Mansfield Town vs Sheffield United form guide & betting tips
| Mansfield Town | vs | Sheffield United |
|---|---|---|
W
W
L
W
L |
Form |
D
W
W
W
D
|
| 15 | Goals For | 7 |
| 12 | Goals Against | 2 |
N/A |
Carabao Cup | N/A |
Whispers predicts: Mansfield Town 1-2 Sheffield United
Despite the transfer-related cloud that is currently hanging over the club, Sheffield United have been excellent on the pitch this summer. Sheffield United to win has been priced at 9/10.
More than two goals have been scored in three of the last four meetings between the two clubs. Over 2.5 goals has been priced at 4/5.
Patrick Bamford scored 12 league goals for Sheff Utd last season. Bamford is priced at 11/8 to score anytime on Saturday.
> Sheff Utd to win at 9/10 (1.90) | Likelihood: Probable
> Under 2.5 goals at 4/5 (1.80) | Likelihood: Probable
> Bamford to score anytime at 11/8 (2.38) | Likelihood: Possible