TIPS - Sheffield United VS Bristol City

[(Sheffield United) Strength]:
1. Sheffield United scored 63 goals in 46 league games last season, whose attack was ranked in the top half of the league.
2. Sheffield United had an outstanding record of 4 wins and 1 loss in the recent warm-up games, showing excellent overall form.
3. Sheffield United recorded 15 wins, 4 draws, and 4 losses in 23 home games last season, finishing 3rd at home in the league.
4. Sheffield United conceded only 36 goals in 46 rounds last season, with an average of less than 1 goal per game, boasting commendable defense.

[(Sheffield United) Neutral]:
1. Ruben Selles officially took charge of Sheffield United in July this year. Known for his high-intensity pressing and rapid transitional play, his tactical approach could bring a fresh dynamic to the team—though its effectiveness remains to be tested in matches.
2. Sheffield United ended 6 of the last 7 games with OVERs in O/U, demonstrating open play.

[(Sheffield United) Weakness]:
1. Sheffield United finished 3rd in the league last season, securing a promotion playoff spot. But they lost to Sunderland A.F.C. in the final and failed to be promoted.

[(Bristol City) Strength]:
1. Bristol City scored 59 goals in 46 rounds last season, featuring overwhelming attack.
2. Bristol City performed excellently in the recent friendlies, receiving 3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss.

[(Bristol City) Weakness]:
1. Bristol City secured a promotion playoff spot last season, but they were emphatically eliminated in the first round by Sheffield United, losing 6-0 on aggregate. The heavy defeat denied them a place in the final.
2. Last season, Bristol City conceded 55 goals in 46 league games, indicating that their defense needs to improve.
3. Bristol City recorded only 4 wins, 10 draws, and 9 losses in 23 away matches last season.
4. In the two teams' 25 encounters, Bristol City won 6, drew 3, and lost 16, without a better mentality.
5. Bristol City won only one of the previous 7 away games in AH, demonstrating poor winning strength on the road and a bad overall trend.

[Tips]:
Both sides secured a promotion playoff spot last season, though Bristol City suffered a humiliating 6-0 defeat to Sheffield United in two legs of the first round, while Sheffield United, after advancing, ultimately lost 2-1 to Sunderland A.F.C. in the final, leaving both teams' promotion dreams unfulfilled.

From their overall performances last season, the two teams both performed impressively and boasted strong attack.

However, Bristol City are inferior to Sheffield United in terms of defense and away records.

Besides, Sheffield United even secured 6 wins in the last 8 encounters between both sides, boosting their confidence in this opener at home.

Thus, Sheffield United are expected to start with a win at home.

[Recommended]:
Sheffield United (-1)