Sheffield United Face Crucial Play-Off Test Against Bristol City
====================================================================================
Sheffield United are on the brink of securing a spot in the play-off final after a resounding 3-0 win over Bristol City in the first leg of their semi-final tie. According to BBC Sport, the Blades have now gone unbeaten in their last eight games across all competitions against Bristol City, winning six and drawing two.
The BBC Sport report highlights that Sheffield United have been in impressive form, keeping five clean sheets in total during their unbeaten run against Bristol City. This defensive solidity will be crucial as they look to see out the tie and secure a spot in the play-off final.
However, Bristol City are not out of the tie yet, and they will look to cause an upset at Bramall Lane. The BBC Sport notes that Bristol City have failed to win any of their last four away games against Sheffield United across all competitions, although they have won three of their last four victories overall against the Blades at Bramall Lane.
Sheffield United, on the other hand, are looking to overcome a deficit in a play-off tie, something that has proven difficult in the past. As per the BBC Sport report, the Blades have lost each of their last two home EFL play-off fixtures, including a 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest in 2022 and a 2-1 loss to Swindon Town in 2015.
The statistics make for interesting reading, with only 10 teams in the history of the EFL play-offs progressing from the semi-final stage after losing their first leg on home soil, according to BBC Sport. However, no side has ever come back from a three-goal margin of defeat at home in the first leg to reach the final.
Sheffield United’s defensive record has been impressive throughout the regular season, with the Blades keeping 12 clean sheets across their 23 home league games. As the BBC Sport report notes, only Leeds and Burnley managed more clean sheets at home this season.
In contrast, Bristol City’s away form has been a concern, with the Robins winning just four of their 23 away Championship games this season. According to BBC Sport, they faced the most shots, shots on target, and recorded the highest xG against tally on their travels among the teams who finished in the top six.
The first leg of the tie saw Sheffield United dominate possession and create chances, with Gustavo Hamer creating four chances for the Blades. As BBC Sport reports, this was the eighth time that Hamer has recorded 4+ chances created in a Championship match this term, highlighting his importance to the team.
In conclusion, Sheffield United face a crucial test against Bristol City as they look to secure a spot in the play-off final. With their impressive defensive record and form against Bristol City, the Blades will be confident of seeing out the tie. However, Bristol City will look to cause an upset and make the most of their chances. As BBC Sport notes, it promises to be an exciting encounter.
Source link
