Sheffield United vs Middlesbrough – Preview | OneFootball

Sheffield United take on high-flying Middlesbrough at Bramall Lane on Monday night in what promises to be an exciting clash.

The Blades have been outstanding at home in recent times, defeating Oxford United 3-1 extending their home winning streak to eight as they now prepare to take on second-placed Boro.

Middlesbrough, meanwhile, come into this match in great form themselves. They’ve won their last five league matches, producing three or more goals in three of those. Boro are currently level on points with league leaders Coventry City, but the Sky Blues have a significantly better goal difference as things stand.

Team News

The Blades will once again be without Jairo Riedewald, with a return date pencilled in for the Steel City derby later this month. Tom Davies will be sidelined for a few weeks as could be the case for Patrick Bamford. Sam McCallum is United’s only main long-term worry.

The visitors have a couple of injuries to contend with at the back. Towering presence Alfie Jones has been sidelined since late December with an ankle injury. Alex Bangura was last seen in the matchday squad in early January before picking up a soft tissue problem.

Sheffield United’s Impact Player For This Game

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 20: Gustavo Hamer of Sheffield United celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United and Birmingham City at Bramall Lane on December 20, 2025 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Jess Hornby/Getty Images)

Sheffield United have looked outstanding in back-to-back home games, and especially Gustavo Hamer, who has served up three assists in the wins against Ipswich Town and Oxford United. Plus, a further six key passes were registered.

It’s players with the quality that Hamer possesses that often turn up in these big Championship games, and Monday night is certainly a key contest for both of these sides.

Despite only starting 15 games this season, the Dutchman has two goals and seven assists to his name. His recent assist for Chiedozie Ogbene against Oxford United displayed Hamer’s vision and technique in abundance.

While Hamer excels in creativity, averaging over 2.3 chances per game, a lot of his other qualities go unnoticed. This season, he has seemingly improved the defensive side of things. His tracking back and pressing seems to be much better on the eye test this time around. Hamer has averaged almost five ball recoveries per game and almost one possession won in the final third per game.

With United being at home against a team at the top of the table, you can guarantee the atmosphere will be electric at Bramall Lane on Monday night. This should impact the tempo of the game as well as the energy levels in terms of the pressing, which could favour the Blades given they are the home side.

Middlesbrough’s Impact Player For This Game

After having a poor goal and assists return in his debut season for Middlesbrough last campaign, Morgan Whittaker has found his rhythm this time around, contributing to a whopping 11 goals and five assists.

Whittaker occupies the right flank but has the license to drift in field into pockets of space to pick the ball up on the half-turn and run at defenders to commit them. While he sometimes can come across as completely unbothered, Whittaker has the ability to cut inside on his left foot and unleash a shot from distance into any corner of the net.

With over 1.5 chances created per game and over three shots attempted per game, Whittaker is the standout danger man in Boro’s attack.

While the former Plymouth Argyle man will likely be coming up against Harrison Burrows on Monday, it could be a case where Burrows and Whittaker rarely get into a one-vs-one duel simply because Whittaker prefers to dribble inside and move towards the semi circle on the edge of the box. In that case, the central midfielders need to be in perfect position to pounce on any miscontrol, and sprint out to neutralise the threat of his left foot from range.

My Prediction

This contest is going to be an exciting game to watch for the neutrals. While Boro sit second in the league, Opta has Sheffield United above them in the expected league table (Blades 5th, Boro 6th).

A win here for the home side will firmly nudge United into the play-off race conversation. Meanwhile, a win for the visitors could potentially see them leapfrog Coventry City into first depending on their result at the weekend.

Monday is a really difficult one to call as the Blades have excellent home form, and Middlesbrough have excellent overall form. However, I think Sheffield United can get over the line in this one with a 2-1 win.

Stats taken from Fotmob and Opta.