Sheffield United will host Birmingham City at Bramall Lane in their EFL Championship campaign opener on Saturday. Both teams secured a mid-table finish last season, with the visitors finishing with 64 points, four more than the Blades.
The hosts played their first competitive match of the season against Mansfield Town in the Carabao Cup last week and secured a 3-0 away win. Patrick Bamford broke the deadlock in the fourth minute, while Mark McGuinness and Callum O’Hare added goals after the break.
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The Blues also got their season underway with a win, defeating Swansea City 1-0 in the Carabao Cup. August Priske Flyger scored the only goal of the match in the 44th minute.
Sheffield United vs Birmingham City head-to-head stats and key numbers
- The two teams have met 117 times in all competitions. They have contested these meetings closely, with the visitors leading 48-45 in wins and 24 games ending in draws.
- Sheffield were unbeaten in their two meetings against the Blues last week. After recording a home win in December, they were held to a 1-1 draw in March.
- Four of the last six meetings between them have produced over 2.5 goals.
- Birmingham City have scored one goal each in six of their last eight meetings against the hosts.
- Sheffield United have won just one of their last seven home games in the Championship.
- The two teams have been evenly matched in their last 13 games in this fixture, recording four wins each.
- Seven of the 12 meetings between the two teams in the Championship have produced under 2.5 goals.
Sheffield United vs Birmingham City prediction
The Blades will play their first home game of the season and will look to give a good account of themselves. They have lost just one of their last five home meetings against Birmingham. Interestingly, they have failed to score in two games in that period while keeping two clean sheets.
Tahith Chong was subbed off with an injury in the first half against Mansfield and is a major doubt. New signing Matt Doherty came off the bench in that match and is likely to start from the bench again.
The Blues had concluded the 2025-26 Championship campaign on a five-game unbeaten run and will look to extend that run here. Interestingly, they are winless in their last six away games in the Championship, suffering four defeats.
Kanya Fujimoto was absent against Swansea last week and is a major doubt. Marvin Ducksch remains sidelined with a knock.
Both teams had a great preseason and won their Carabao Cup games last week. While both teams are expected to put in a solid display here, Sheffield should make the most of their home advantage to secure a narrow win.
Prediction: Sheffield United 2-1 Birmingham City
Sheffield United vs Birmingham City betting tips
Tip 1: Sheffield United to win
Tip 2: Over 2.5 goals
Tip 3: Both teams to score – Yes
Bold Tip: Patrick Bamford to score or assist any time – Yes
Edited by Shubham Dupare