Sheffield United vs AFC Fylde Predictions

• Since 2014, Sheffield United have won eight of their 10 home FA Cup matches.
• Since 2014, Sheffield United have kept a clean sheet in seven in 10 home FA Cup matches.
• This is the first time AFC Fylde have reached the third round of this competition.

Blades remain strong

On the face of it, Sheffield United have slumped; but when we consider the fixture list and look beyond result, Chris Wilder’s men remain a strong side. Not too many teams will go to the Etihad and restrict the hosts to just two goals, while losing 2-0 at Anfield is nothing to be ashamed of at present.

Prior to facing those two giants, the Blades were ticking along nicely. They were unbeaten in four, scoring six and conceding just two.

Sheffield United have also lost just one of their last six at home, while only one team outside the current top three has gone to Bramall Lane and returned with all three points. The form of Wilder’s men against those outside the top three points towards them doing very well against Non-League opposition.

Fylde out of form

Having come close to promotion last season, reaching the play-off final, AFC Fylde are struggling this time around. Sunday’s visitors have lost each of their last two games and now sit in a lowly 21st position in the National League. They’re two points from safety.

Despite their focus being on the fight for survival in the fifth division, this match will be a welcome distraction for the visitors, as it marks a historic occasion. The XI that step out at Bramall Lane on Sunday will become the first ever players to represent the club in the third round of this famous competition.

Realistically, based on their efforts at their own level this term, Fylde will struggle to compete against a very, very astute Premier League outfit.

Hosts to outclass inferior opposition

Fylde have done well to get this far but their journey stops here. Punters can profit from Sunday’s clash by siding with ‘Sheffield United to Win & Over 3.5 Goals’. There’s a chasm in class between these two teams and that is likely to be clear from the word go.

Sheffield United have shown their attacking quality at the highest level this term, scoring three at home against both Manchester United and Burnley. They also scored six en route to beating a lower-level Leyton Orient side a few years ago.

The Blades are backed to thrash a Fylde side that has conceded multiple goals in nine out of 14 in the fifth tier this term.