Sheffield United 4/5 to beat Birmingham City in Saturday’s Championship opener

Competition: Championship

Market: Sheffield United win

Odds: 4/5 @ 888sport

Looking to get their return to the Championship off to a flying start this weekend, Sheffield United will welcome Birmingham to Bramall Lane on Saturday night.

Starting with the hosts, while Sheffield United might have lost their Premier League status after a nightmare campaign last season, there is no doubt that The Blades will be glad to welcome fans back to Bramall Lane. Still tipped by many as one of the leading contenders in the chase to mount a charge for an immediate top-flight return, new boss Slaviša Jokanović did see his side pick up some perfect momentum ahead of Saturday’s opener. Along with a 3-0 win against little-known Europa Point last month, the former Fulham coach saw his new squad land a thumping 4-0 romp against League One Doncaster Rovers last weekend. With both Oli McBurnie and Lys Mousset getting themselves on the score sheet in United’s last pre-season contest, The Blades should be looking to lay down an early marker on home soil this weekend.

As for the visitors, while a real romp at the back end of the campaign might have seen Birmingham do enough to extend on their Championship status, they have failed to gain much momentum over the summer. Eventually signing off their 2020/21 campaign with back-to-back 4-0 and 5-2 defeats against Cardiff and Blackburn, new boss Lee Bowyer will be hoping for his side to find some stability this year. However, signing off their preparations with what was a 4-0 drumming against local rivals West Brom on home soil, the former Charlton boss also saw his side suffer a shock 3-2 defeat against League Two outfit Northampton. Facing what could be a tough trip to a lively Bramall Lane on Saturday night, we’re backing a home victory here.

Bet: Sheffield United 4/5 to beat Birmingham City in Saturday’s Championship opener @ 888sport