The late Championship kick-off on New Year’s Day sees Sheffield United travel north to the Stadium of Light to take on Sunderland.
Football tipster Tom Desborough has dived into the markets for five value picks for an evening Bet Builder to help kickstart your 2025. Let’s get his Sunderland v Sheffield United betting tips.
Sunderland v Sheffield United Bet Builder tips
Under 2.5 goals
Luke O’Nien to be carded
Gustavo Hamer to have 1+ shots on target
Wilson Isidor to have 1+ shots on target
- A Bet Builder with these bets pays at approximately 16/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
WHEN: Wednesday, 1st January, 8pm
WHERE: Stadium of Light, Sunderland
TV: Sky Sports Football
Under 2.5 goals
Chris Wilder’s Blades may be second in the Championship table, but their games rarely see many goals. There have been two goals or less in all five of Sheffield United’s last five games.
A trip to the Stadium of Light on New Year’s Day is unlikely to break that streak, as their previous meeting in November ended in a 1-0 win for the Yorkshire side, thanks to a late winner from Tom Davies.
Furthermore, the Black Cats come into this game after a shock 1-0 defeat at managerless Stoke City. The last thing they’ll want to face next is another defence they have recently failed to penetrate.
Luke O’Nien to be carded
Sunderland’s forced defensive reshuffle has seen Le Bris deploy Luke O’Nien in various positions across the backline this season. He was used as a left-back in the reverse fixture against the Blades in November and most recently as a centre-back against Stoke.
The midfielder, by trade, hasn’t been averse to giving away a foul or two in his defensive roles or picking up the odd card. O’Nien has gone into the book four times this season, one of which was in the game at Bramall Lane.
Seven cards were brandished in the game between these two earlier this season, including two reds. With another feisty affair likely and O’Nien continuing to play out of position, he’s a good shout for a booking.
Gustavo Hamer to have 1+ shots on target
Manager Chris Wilder has given Gustavo Hamer the freedom of the Sheffield United system this season, and it has been easy to see why. The Dutchman left an impression on the Championship with Coventry last term and has only gone from strength to strength with the Blades in 2024.
The Dutchman has the most shots on target for his side, with 17, one ahead of striker Kieffer Moore and five ahead of top scorer Tyrese Campbell. Hamer is also the second-highest scorer behind Campbell, with five goals in this campaign.
He is averaging 0.81 shots on target this season and looks a threat every time he takes to the pitch for Sheffield United. You can expect him to try his best to work Anthony Patterson in the Sunderland net on New Year’s Day.
Wilson Isidor to have 1+ shots on target
Sunderland’s biggest goal threat comes from loan signing Wilson Isidor. After making the temporary switch from Zenit St Petersburg in the summer, Isidor has undoubtedly made an impact for the Black Cats in the Championship.
The 24-year-old is Sunderland’s top scorer with six and leads the way with shots on target with 20, eight more than anyone else in Regis Le Bris’ team.
The Frenchman found the net on Boxing Day in the 2-2 draw with Blackburn but drew a blank last time out away at Stoke. If Sunderland want to get back to winning ways and take revenge for their defeat against the Blades in December, they need their striker on top form on New Year’s Day.
Sunderland v Sheffield United betting tips
Under 2.5 goals
Luke O’Nien to be carded
Gustavo Hamer to have 1+ shots on target
Wilson Isidor to have 1+ shots on target
- A Bet Builder with these bets pays at approximately 16/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
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