Bitesize Prediction: Sheffield United vs Lincoln – 30/08/23

Competition: EFL Cup

Market: Sheffield United win

Odds: 2/5 @ Pribet

Desperate to avoid an EFL Cup upset on Wednesday night, Sheffield United will welcome a high-flying Lincoln to Bramall Lane.

Starting with the hosts, while Sheffield United might have put in a gutsy performance against reigning Premier League champions Manchester City over the weekend, the Blades suffered last-gasp heartbreak at Bramall Lane. Eventually slumping to a 2-1 defeat on home soil, Paul Heckingbottom’s men have struggled to find much fluidity since making their top-flight return. Opening up the 2023/24 campaign with a toothless 1-0 defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace on August 12th, the midweek hosts have lost each of their opening three Premier League showdowns. With their nightmare start underlined by another late 2-1 loss against Nottingham Forest earlier in the month, United are still searching for some much-needed defensive resolve. In fact, along with signing off their pre-season preparations with a 3-0 drumming against Bundesliga outfit Stuttgart, Heckingbottom’s side have now conceded eight goals in just their previous four appearances across all competitions. Nevertheless, although the Blades might still be waiting to open their top-flight account, they are rightfully tipped as a standout contender here.

As for the visitors, although Lincoln might have opened the new League One season with a 3-0 drumming at the hands of Bolton on August 5th, the Imps have come roaring back in some style. Last seen over the weekend putting in a stellar display as they landed a 3-0 victory against Blackpool, Mark Kennedy’s men should find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Skyrocketing their way up the third-tier standings and with their sights set on mounting a genuine play-off charge this time around, fans around Sincil Bank will be desperate for their side to spring a major upset on Wednesday night. In fact, Kennedy’s side are unbeaten in each of their previous five appearances across all formats. However, it should be noted, suffering a routine 6-0 drumming when they welcomed Sheffield United to town for a friendly showdown last year, we are expecting the Premier League outfit to extend on their EFL Cup adventure here.

Bet: Sheffield United 2/5 to beat Lincoln in Wednesday’s EFL Cup tie @ Pribet