- Middlesbrough have won their last two matches against Sheffield United
- Sheffield United have lost three of their last six home fixtures
- Recommended bet: Middlesbrough draw no bet

Sheffield United continue to grind out results in their pursuit of automatic promotion and will be targeting a third successive win when taking on Middlesbrough at Bramall Lane.

Chris Wilder’s side are on 64 points from 31 games and are three points better off than at the same stage of their 2022-23 promotion winning campaign.

However, the Blades are involved in a competitive four-team scrap for the top two positions and will be respectful of Boro, who are among the most potent attacking teams in the division.

Middlesbrough have notched 49 goals in 30 games but have struggled to register enough victories to stay in touch with the top teams.

Michael Carrick’s side have been far too inconsistent and make the trip under plenty of pressure after dropping out of the second-tier play-off positions.

Team news

The home side are without Oliver Arblaster (knee), Kieffer Moore (hernia surgery), Jamie Shackleton (foot) and Femi Seriki (unspecified injury) but Tom Davies (leg) is back in contention and should at least feature on the bench.

Crystal Palace loanee Rob Holding made his Blades debut at the weekend and is pushing for a starting berth.

Middlesbrough are stretched with Seny Dieng (unspecified injury), Riley McGree, Anfernee Dijksteel (both muscle strains), Darragh Lenihan (ankle), Jonny Howson (calf) and Ben Doak (thigh) set to miss out.

Kelechi Iheanacho hopes to feature for the first time after his loan move from Sevilla.

The stats

Sheffield United have kept just one clean sheet in their last six home games.

The Blades have not scored more than two goals in any of their last 15 fixtures.

Six of Sheffield United’s last eight home games have generated less than three goals.

Middlesbrough have scored in 12 of their last 13 Championship matches.

Four of Boro’s last five league games have featured goals for both teams.

Boro have scored the first goal in five of their last six Championship matches.

Prediction

Middlesbrough have lost a lot of tight games, including a 3-2 reverse at home to Sunderland last time out, but they can give their promotion push a huge boost by defeating Sheffield United in south Yorkshire.

The transfer window was unsettling for Boro, who were rocked by the departure of their top scorer, Emmanuel Latte Lath, to Atalanta United.

But they have emerged with a strong squad featuring loan signings Samuel Iling-Junior and Kelechi Iheanacho, who have joined on temporary deals from Aston Villa and Sevilla.

Boro should finish the season strongly and can start their final 16 games with a win against the Blades, who are struggling for fluency.

Chris Wilder’s side rode their luck in Saturday’s 2-1 success at home to Portsmouth and they are more likely to be punished by a Boro side eager to achieve a top-six finish.

Back Middlesbrough draw no bet at 6/5 with LiveScore Bet.

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