Prediction: Sheffield United vs Tottenham

Verdict: Tottenham win

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Unibet

Looking to avoid an FA Cup upset on Wednesday night, Tottenham will make the trip to Bramall Lane when they meet Sheffield United.

Sheffield United

Starting with the hosts, despite suffering back-to-back defeats against Millwall and Middlesbrough a fortnight ago, Sheffield United were glad to have found a much-needed response last weekend. Eventually claiming a 1-0 victory against play-off contenders Watford, Paul Heckingbottom’s side should find the mood in their camp at a continued high. Impressing many across the Championship this season, the Blades find themselves leading the chase to secure a Premier League return in 2023. Still holding a commanding seven-point buffer from slipping out of the automatic promotion places, Wednesday’s hosts will be looking forward to testing themselves at Bramall Lane. Extending on their FA Cup adventure on February 7th as they claimed an action-packed 3-1 victory against National League outfit Wrexham, Heckingbottom’s side could be smelling the chance to claim a major FA Cup scalp here. It should also be highlighted, the Blades have won seven of their last eight appearances on home soil – a run that stems all the way back to November 8th.

Team News

Claiming what could be a crucial 1-0 win against Watford a few days ago, Heckingbottom could be tempted to name a similar starting XI here. However, veteran striker and club captain Billy Sharp could be set to make a full return after settling for a spot on the bench last weekend.

However, the Blades will once again be without the likes of George Baldock, Jack O’Connell, Enda Stevens and Rhian Brewster on Wednesday night.

Tottenham

As for the visitors, while Tottenham might have opened their Champions League knockout stage adventure with a 1-0 loss away at AC Milan on February 14th, Antonio Conte’s side have found a welcomed domestic boost. Putting in another rugged display on home soil over the weekend as they claimed a 2-0 victory against London rivals Chelsea, Spurs are desperate to finally draw a line under their trophy drought. Now finding themselves sat in pole position to claim another crucial top-four finish this year, the ex-Inter Milan boss is calling on his side to find some recent stability. Extending on their FA Cup run last month as they breezed past Championship outfit Preston thanks to a 3-0 victory, Tottenham will be looking for a repeat display when they travel to Bramall Lane. Looking to avoid what would be a real FA Cup banana skin on Wednesday night, Spurs should be boosted by an eye-catching record against the midweek hosts. Claiming a 4-0 romp when they last met Sheffield United back in May 2021, Tottenham have won back-to-back meetings against the Blades by a 7-1 aggregate scoreline.

Team News

Now coming off the bench and finding the net in back-to-back Premier League appearances, South Korean ace Heung-Min Son should make a full return at Bramall Lane. Likewise, fringe stars such as Lucas Moura, Pedro Porro and Davinson Sanchez could feature in midweek.

However, Conte will once again be unable to call upon the quartet of Hugo Loris, Ryan Sessegnon, Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur here.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last met back in May 2021, Tottenham claimed a thumping 4-0 victory on home soil.
• Likewise, the Premier League outfit have secured back-to-back wins against Sheffield United by a 7-1 aggregate scoreline.
• However, the Blades have won seven of their last eight appearances on home soil – a run that stems all the way back to November 8th.
• Tottenham have recorded a clean sheet in five of their last six domestic matchups across all formats.
• 12 of the last 13 meetings between Wednesday’s opponents have finished with over 1.5 goals.

Conclusion

While Sheffield United might be cruising their way towards a Premier League return in 2023, Wednesday’s hosts should face a real challenge at Bramall Lane. Although the Blades might have gained a reputation for their continued success on home soil, Tottenham are rightfully tipped as a standout pick here. Appearing to have turned a recent corner after claiming back-to-back 2-0 victories against Chelsea and West Ham, Conte’s side will be looking to avoid a major FA Cup upset in midweek. Along with claiming a 4-0 romp when they last met Sheffield United back in May 2021, Spurs have won consecutive meetings against the Blades by a 7-1 aggregate score. Although Tottenham could face a tricky test outside of the capital, we are backing an away victory here.

Verdict: Tottenham win

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Unibet