Sheffield United will be looking to get 2022 off to a great start when they host Middlesbrough tomorrow at Bramall Lane (kick-off: 12:30 PM), which coincides with Chris Wilder’s turn to his former club.
Sheffield United have been left frustrated after their last two Championship fixtures against Preston North End, on Boxing Day, and at home to Hull City, on 29th December were postponed due to a Covid-19 outbreak within the opposition camp. It leaves Paul Heckingbttom’s side well rested having not played a competitive fixture since 20th December at Fulham in a 1-0 victory. This came via a sensational third-minute goal from youngster Iliman Ndiaye. The victory extended United’s unbeaten run to five matches, having won their previous four consecutive fixtures.
United boss Paul Heckingbottom is likely to be without three players ahead of today’s clash. He is expected to be without goalkeeper; Robin Olsen (muscle injury), defender Jack O’Connell (knee), and striker Rhian Brewster (hamstring). On-loan Liverpool defender, Ben Davies, was also absent from the victory at Fulham due to personal reasons, and it remains unclear whether he is available for selection against the Boro.
The Blades woeful record at Middlesbrough continued when these two teams last met on 28th September as a rainy trip to the Riverside once again ended in defeat for the Blades, losing 2-0, and ending United’s five league match unbeaten run. First-half goals from Duncan Watmore (on 9 minutes), curling home past Olsen, and Paddy McNair (on 39 minutes) was enough to inflict defeat on the Blades who failed to tally a shot of target until the last quarter of the game. The last time the Blades won at the Boro was in 1997, they have also failed to score in their last six outings at the Riverside. Phil Jagielka’s penalty on New Year’s Day, 2007, was the last player to score at Boro.
However, United’s record at home to Middlesbrough is better; having won their last two consecutive matches at Bramall Lane. The last time that Boro tasted victory in S2 was on 9 April 2011, en-route to relegation from the Championship.
Since then both clubs have parted company with their respective coaches and appointed new ones. On 7th November, former Sheffield United boss, Chris Wilder, was appointed Middlesbrough boss after another former Blade, Neil Warnock departed the Riverside. On 25th November, Paul Heckingbtoom was recruited from Under-23’s coach to take up the vacant manager’s position, following Slavisa Jokanovic’s exit.
Middlesbrough is currently in the top six and looks like dark horses to sealing a Play-Off spot (at least), although there is a long way to go before the season finishes in May. Boro looked set to drop two points at Blackpool on Wednesday night after Shayne Lavery netted on 90 minutes, cancelling out Andraz Sporar’s opener on the hour. However, three minutes into stoppage-time, Duncan Watmore pounced to head home a winner and hand the visitors maximum points, winning the game 2-1 Following the victory at Bloomfield Road, Middlesbrough is six matches unbeaten having won five and drawn once.
Boro boss Chris Wilder is expected to be without defender Marc Bola (knee), and Marcus Browne (ACL), when he makes his return to Bramall Lane tomorrow and is expected to field a similar side which won in Lancashire three days ago.
Last 6 Matches
09.04.2011 – Sheffield United 1-2 Middlesbrough (Championship)
12.08.2017 – Middlesbrough 1-0 Sheffield United (Championship)
10.04.2018 – Sheffield United 2-1 Middlesbrough (Championship)
07.08.2018- Middlesbrough 3-0 Sheffield United (Championship)
13.02.2019 – Sheffield United 1-0 Middlesbrough (Championship)
28.09.2021 – Middlesbrough 2-0 Sheffield United (Championship)