Prediction: Sheffield United vs Swansea

Prediction: Sheffield United win

Best Odds: 5/4

Bookmaker: bet365

One of the most exciting leagues in all of football is set to get back underway this weekend, as the Championship resumes play one week prior to the Premier League. Twenty-four teams will all be harbouring realistic aspirations of making a push into the top half of the table, with many believing that they can ascend to the top flight. Two such teams are Sheffield United and Swansea City, who will both be extremely determined to make a statement when they face each other in their league opener.

Sheffield United

The rise of the Blades has been interesting to follow over the last few years, with Sheffield United finally starting to resemble the side that enjoyed Premier League success not too long ago. They’ve got a strong squad in place, an efficient manager, and a fanbase that are ready to see them reach that next level once again. It always felt like if United could get out of the third tier then they’d have a good base with which to build on, and as we look ahead to the season, they should certainly be viewed as dark horses for promotion.

Team News

Dean Henderson and John Egan are being tipped to come into the starting XI, with David McGoldrick set to be favoured over Leon Clarke barring a last-minute change.

Swansea

Bouncing back from relegation is something that requires a great deal of resiliency, especially when you’re dropping down into a league as unforgiving as the Championship. The Swans have been in the second tier before but a lot has changed since they were last here, and they can’t afford to take anyone lightly. They’ll be viewed as the favourites in many of their encounters this season but given that they’re away from home in this one, they’ll need to expect and anticipate a hostile atmosphere from the word go.

Team News

Kyle Naughton and Matt Grimes are expected to cause havoc on the wings both from an attacking and defensive standpoint, with big things being expected of Bersant Celina up front.

Factors to Consider

• Swansea were relegated from the Premier League last season.
• Sheffield United finished 10th in the Championship last season.
• Three of the last six relegated PL teams have lost their Championship opener the following season.
• Sheffield United are winning 19-11 on the all-time head to head, with 10 draws.
• Their last meeting came back in 2011 when the Swans won 4-0.

Conclusion

It’s always tricky to determine which direction a game will go in on the first weekend of the Championship season, as there are just so many unknown elements in play here. Sheffield United are carrying a great deal of momentum over from their previous campaign whereas Swansea are still reeling from their Premier League relegation. The Blades will thrive off of the home atmosphere and the start of the new season, and we can see them grinding out a tight 1-0 win to register their first three points.

Prediction: Sheffield United win

Best Odds: 5/4

Bookmaker: bet365