Bristol City vs Sheffield United – Preview | OneFootball

Bristol City host Sheffield United at Ashton Gate on Monday afternoon in the Sky Bet Championship.

The Robins come into this fixture looking to build on what has been a relatively steady campaign, though they seemed primed for a run at the top six in the early parts of the season. They have proven to be a competitive side, but one win since February means they currently sit 10 points off the play-off spots.

The Blades have lacked consistency all season and their recent 3-3 draw at home to Swansea City now means they have dropped a whopping 30 points from winning positions. Chris Wilder has quite rightly pointed out that getting even 50% of those points back would see United in the top six, which is the most frustrating part.

Team News

Bristol City have several injuries to deal with, particularly at the back. George Tanner, Rob Atkinson, Rob Dickie and Luke McNally have all been sidelined for a number of weeks and looking like they could all miss the rest of the campaign. Midfielder Josh Williams is another one of those to add to that list, while Ross McRorie becomes the most recent injury concern after Good Friday’s win over Charlton Athletic.

United won’t have Tyrese Campbell available for the rest of the season, Wilder confirmed last week. Joe Rothwell got some minutes under his belt against Swansea. Midfielder Kalvin Phillips is also trying to work his way back to full fitness.

Bristol City’s Impact Player For This Game

For Bristol City, a player who could have a major influence on this contest is Scott Twine. The attacking midfielder offers a real creative spark and has the technical quality to unlock defences in tight games like this. Twine has 11 goals and six assists to his name in 36 appearances this term.

Twine is at his best when operating in pockets of space just outside the penalty area. He has excellent vision and is always looking to play forward, whether that’s slipping disguised passes into runners or creating shooting opportunities for himself. His ability to pick the right option in the final third makes him a constant threat, evident with his average of two chances created per game.

One of his standout qualities is his shooting from distance. Twine is not afraid to test the goalkeeper from range, and he has the technique to strike the ball cleanly with power and accuracy. That means Sheffield United cannot afford to sit off him, as giving him space on the edge of the box could be punished.

He is also a major asset from set pieces. Whether it’s direct free-kicks or dangerous deliveries into the box, Twine’s quality can create chances out of nothing, which could be crucial in what is expected to be a tight game. He already has two free-kick goals this term, an 11% conversion rate.

Sheffield United’s Impact Player For This Game

One player who could be crucial for the Blades in this fixture is Callum O’Hare. The attacking midfielder has been one of Sheffield United’s most influential players and will likely be key in breaking down Bristol City to add to his nine goals and six assists this term.

O’Hare thrives when he can find space between the lines. His movement is intelligent, constantly drifting into areas where he can receive the ball on the half-turn and drive at defenders. That ability to carry the ball forward makes him a major threat in central areas.

He is also an excellent creator. Whether it’s quick combinations around the box, dummies or incisive through balls, O’Hare has the vision to unlock defences, evident by his average of 1.5 chances created per game. Against a Bristol City side that can be compact, his creativity could be the difference in tight moments.

In addition to his attacking contributions, O’Hare’s work rate is vital. He presses aggressively and looks to win the ball high up the pitch, averaging five ball recoveries and one possession’s won in the final third per game, which could disrupt Bristol City’s attempts to build from the back.

My Prediction

This is going to be a close game. Both sides have shown flashes of brilliance offensively, but neither have been able to show consistency.

The Blades will be looking for revenge after getting thumped 4-1 by the Robins on the opening day of the season at Bramall Lane. I think Sheffield United will win this 2-1.

Stats taken from Fotmob and Opta.