Just eight months ago, Sheffield United hosted Burnley in the Premier League, with both clubs desperately scrapping for top flight survival. This fixture will take on a rather different complexion on Boxing Day. Read on for our Sheffield Utd vs Burnley predictions.
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Sheffield Utd vs Burnley prediction: Two sides in form
Key facts:
- Burnley boast the tightest defence in the Championship, with just nine conceded.
- However, Sheffield United have the most clean sheets with 15.
- Sheffield United have the most points per game at home, while Burnley have the most points on the road.
Correct score prediction Sheffield Utd 1-1 Burnley
We foresee a tight and cagy affair between two sides who give vanishingly little away. Sheffield United have been excellent at home, winning nine and drawing one, but we think the Clarets are resilient enough to hold out.
The Blades, three points clear at the top, would not be devastated by a draw either.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Closely fought battle expected
- HOME: 7/5 (2.40) – 41.7%
- DRAW: 21/10 (3.10) – 32.3%
- AWAY: 21/10 (3.10) – 32.3%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The bookmakers' expected winner in this clash is, by a narrow margin, Sheffield Utd. Their odds of 7/5 produce an implied 41.7% likelihood of victory. With just 9.4% between the outcomes, this one will be close.
Feel free to take a look at our football betting tips page to check out our other predictions and tips!
Recent H2Hs: Three on the spin for the Clarets
Though the two to three split in their last five implies a close rivalry, Burnley have dominated the last three meetings between the sides.
The Clarets have won the last three by an aggregate of 11-1. Sheffield United will want to put that right.
England Premier League 20/04/24
Sheff Utd
Burnley
England Premier League 02/12/23
Burnley
Sheff Utd
England Championship 10/04/23
Burnley
Sheff Utd
England Championship 05/11/22
Sheff Utd
Burnley
England Premier League 23/05/21
Sheff Utd
Burnley
Sheffield Utd preview: Normal service resumed
Following an October blip, and injuries to their top two strikers, a few concerns were expressed over Sheffield United in recent months, but Chris Wilder's side have put those to bed in resounding fashion.
The Blades are now unbeaten in 11 games, have won nine of those fixtures and have won four of their last five to nil.
A win against Burnley would make them resounding favourites to win the Championship.
Predicted lineup: Cooper (GK), Gilchrist, Souttar, Robinson, Burrows, Davies, Peck, Rak-Sakyi, O'Hare, Hamer, Moore
England Championship 12/05/25
W
Bristol City
0
Sheff Utd
3
England Championship 08/05/25
W
Bristol City
0
Sheff Utd
3
England Championship 03/05/25
D
Blackburn
1
Sheff Utd
1
England Championship 25/04/25
W
Stoke
0
Sheff Utd
2
England Championship 21/04/25
L
Burnley
2
Sheff Utd
1
Burnley preview: What injury crisis?
Despite suffering injuries to key players such as Jeremy Sarmiento, Aaron Ramsey, Lyle Foster and Manuel Benson, Burnley come into this one in fine form.
The Clarets are unbeaten in nine, with six clean sheets in those matches. They also boast the best away record in the division, and a fine record against the Blades.
A 2-1 win over Watford last weekend saw captain Josh Brownhill net his eighth goal of the season from midfield, making him top scorer at Turf Moor this season.
Predicted lineup: Trafford (GK), Roberts, Egan-Riley, Esteve, Humphreys, Cullen, Laurent, Anthony, Mejbri, Mejbri, Fleming
England Championship 03/05/25
W
Millwall
1
Burnley
3
England Championship 26/04/25
W
QPR
0
Burnley
5
England Championship 21/04/25
W
Sheff Utd
1
Burnley
2
England Championship 18/04/25
W
Watford
1
Burnley
2
England Championship 11/04/25
W
Norwich
1
Burnley
2
Player to watch: Harrison Burrows
Normally, our players to watch are red-hot strikers or cultured creators. But with the defensive records on show here, it is only fair to spotlight a defender.
Our pick is Harrison Burrow, Sheffield United left-back. The Englishman, signed from Peterborough in the summer has been instrumental in their 15 clean sheets, and ranks second for the Blades in expected assists and chances created.