*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while in-copy odds are accurate at time of publication but subject to change
Manchester United take on Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Thursday, looking to get back to winning ways and close the gap on the top four after their 0-0 draw with Manchester City last weekend.
As for the Blades, they are rooted to the foot of the table with one point from 12 matches but Paddy Power football trader Jason Murphy believe there is value to be found backing Chris Wilder’s men.
Check out his chat with PPTV broadcaster Carl Monaghan in the video below.
Thursday November 17, 8pm: Sheffield United v Manchester United
Amazon Prime Video
Double Chance: Sheffield United and The Draw
The big issue Sheffield United have is scoring goals. When Norwich got relegated last season, their manager Daniel Farke alluded to the big difference between the Canaries and the Blades in defence. Coming out of the Championship, Sheffield United were excellent defensively and that stands you in good stead for your first season in the Premier League. You can then work on scoring goals. The problem is Sheffield United have not worked on scoring goals since they came up. That is the big area they have fallen down in.
Even at the weekend against Southampton, 3-0 on paper is a bad result and Southampton beat them really well in the first half but Sheffield United came back and got themselves in the game – but still didn’t have a shot on target for the whole 90 minutes. That’s the issue they’ve had. They’ve only got one point, while according to our figures we reckon they should have maybe nine of 10 points on the board. Some performances have been better than results, and even the game against Leicester when they conceded a last-minute goal after giving the ball away… when your luck is out, your luck is out.
But on the prices, I would rather be on Sheffield United and The Draw than Manchester United at 2/5 or 4/9. You just can’t back United at those prices at the moment under Ole. It was a good result against Manchester City in theory, following the result they had against Leipzig. But going forward they weren’t great so you’re probably looking at a low-scoring game here.
If you’re a United fan and you want to get on them, maybe look at United to Win to Nil.
But if you’re looking for the best-priced bet for the Win-Draw-Win markets, I would be looking at Double Chance: Sheffield United and The Draw.
Bruno Fernandes to score first
I’m disappointed that Edison Cavani is still going to miss out through injury, because even before he got the double at Southampton to win the game he was looking like a real threat off the bench. He does make a real difference to this United team because he’s a proper centre-forward.
He provides the movement that Anthony Martial, who has been United’s No 9 since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took over, doesn’t. If you’re looking for a goalscorer, you’re probably looking again at Bruno Fernandes because he’s on penalties or maybe Marcus Rashford.
If you’re going the Sheffield United route, none of the strikers are scoring for them so maybe have a look at John Lundstram, Sander Berge or John Fleck. You will get them at double-figure prices but it’s probably going to be a low-scoring game.
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while in-copy odds are accurate at time of publication but subject to change
Sheffield United v Manchester United tips
Double Chance: Sheffield United and The Draw
Bruno Fernandes to score first
More top tips for Thursday
- Our 14/1 bet builder for Sheffield United v Man Utd
- Jack the lad can ensure Aston Villa see off Burnley
Friday’s best bets
Read More:
- Paddy Power’s Christmas advert is here: Check out the Pundits’ latest misadventure
- Paddy Power’s Millionaire Chase: All you need to know about the MILLION quid New Year’s Day giveaway
- Alan Curbishley: I missed my England manager interview – but never had a chance anyway
THE PADDY POWER GUIDE TO RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW