Bristol City vs Sheffield United: Championship Play-Off Semi-Final Preview
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The stage is set for a thrilling Championship play-off semi-final as Bristol City prepare to host Sheffield United at Ashton Gate on Thursday, May 8, 2025. The Robins secured a play-off spot on the final day of the regular season, coming from behind to earn a point against Preston and benefiting from Blackburn’s draw away at Bramall Lane.
According to the Evening Standard, Bristol City’s reward is a showdown with a Sheffield United side aiming to secure an instant return to the Premier League. The Blades were on course for automatic promotion at one stage but a run of three consecutive defeats last month saw them ultimately miss out to Leeds and Burnley.
Sheffield United must now dust themselves down from that disappointment and regain their composure to stay on track for a return to English football’s top flight – beginning with this two-legged semi-final. The Evening Standard reports that the first leg has a score draw written all over it with Sheffield United taking full advantage of being at home in the second leg to advance to the Championship play-off final.
Date, Kick-Off Time, and Venue
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Bristol City vs Sheffield United is scheduled for an 8pm BST kick-off on Thursday, May 8, 2025. The first leg will take place at Ashton Gate. The Evening Standard confirms that the game will be televised live on Sky Sports Football, with coverage starting at 7pm BST ahead of the kick-off.
Team News
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Bristol City suffered no fresh injury setbacks against Preston but Luke Mcnally and Mark Sykes will miss the entire play-off programme. Cameron Pring is doubtful after missing the final games of the regular season with a hamstring complaint. Chris Wilder’s team selection against Blackburn showed he had one eye on the play-offs as he rested goalkeeper Michael Cooper, handed a rare start to Alfie Gilchrist and gave minutes to Tom Davies following injury.
The Evening Standard reports that it is likely that Cooper will return to the starting line-up alongside the likes of Harrison Burrows, Jack Robinson, and Tyrese Campbell.
Prediction
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Bristol City will hope the form book goes out the window in the play-offs as they finished the regular season with back-to-back losses. However, The Evening Standard predicts that Sheffield United will take full advantage of being at home in the second leg to advance to the Championship play-off final, with a predicted score of 4-2 on aggregate.
Head-to-Head History and Results
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The Blades are unbeaten in their last seven meetings against Bristol City and only a last-gasp equaliser at Bramall Lane in March stopped them from recording a league double this season. Sheffield United have won 21 matches against Bristol City.
Odds
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The latest odds for the match are available on Betfair, with The Evening Standard confirming that odds are subject to change.
In conclusion, the stage is set for a thrilling Championship play-off semi-final between Bristol City and Sheffield United. With both teams looking to secure a spot in the Championship play-off final, The Evening Standard provides the latest team news, predictions, and head-to-head history to keep you up to date with all the action.
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