Sheffield United vs Brentford Predictions

• Brentford have won only two of their seven away games in this term’s Premier League
• Sheffield United are winless in their last four games
• The Bees have drawn four league fixtures this term
• Yoane Wissa has scored three Premier League goals this campaign

Wilder tasked with keeping Blades afloat

Chris Wilder’s return to Sheffield United began with a baptism of fire against Liverpool as the Blades lost 2-0 at Anfield but the ‘new manager bounce’ could play its part in Saturday’s clash with Brentford.

It is debatable whether or not the arrival of a new manager has a genuine impact on immediate results but either way, fans of the Blades will likely be pleased to see Wilder back in the dugout.

Wilder led the Blades from League One to the Premier League in the space of three seasons after his appointment in 2016 and is now tasked with keeping the club in the top flight.

With just five points picked up from 15 matches, United find themselves in a precarious position but Wilder was enthused by what he saw in the 2-0 defeat to Liverpool last time out.

The Blades kept Liverpool out for 37 minutes on Wednesday and trailed by just a goal until Virgil Van Dijk sealed the win for the visitors with a second goal in the 94th minute.

It was always going to be a tough first game back for Wilder but there should be more optimism in the camp ahead of Brentford’s arrival on Saturday.

Brentford’s confidence likely to have taken a hit

The Bees have had a tough time of it in the league recently, slipping to three defeats in four matches after a testing run.

That has likely put a dent in the confidence of Thomas Frank’s men, who are locked in mid-table mediocrity.

Like many top-flight clubs, they are feeling the impact of the busy festive period and the latest setback is the potential loss of forward Bryan Mbeumo, who left the field against Brighton with an ankle injury.

His involvement is in doubt, limiting Brentford’s attacking threat with Kevin Schade and of course Ivan Toney also unavailable.

Mbeumo’s absence could hinder the visitors

Sheffield United may not have enough in their locker to win this game but Wilder knows how to pick up points and against a depleted Brentford side he should sniff an opportunity, so a bet on the draw could be the way to go.

Goals could also be at a premium given Brentford’s absences and the fact Sheffield United have scored only 11 goals in 15 league games, so a 1-1 stalemate makes an appeal in the correct-score market.

As for a goalscorer selection, it is also a case of slim pickings but in Mbeumo’s potential absence, Brentford will need someone to step up to the plate and Yoane Wissa could fit the bill.

He has scored three times in the league this season and can find a way past the Blades.