Sheffield United vs Portsmouth Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups and Team News | EFL Championship, February 8, 2025

Sheffield United vs Portsmouth

• Competition: EFL Championship
• Date: Saturday, February 8
• Time: 03:00 PM GMT
• Venue: Bramall Lane

Sheffield United vs Portsmouth will take place at Bramall Lane in the EFL Championship on February 8. The third-placed team will host the 20th-placed team on Saturday.

The Blades are in good form even though did face some defeats in the last few fixtures yet they will be confident going into this fixture. The home team do have a good record against Pompey and will look to perform well in front of their home crowd. At home, the Blades are performing well and are able to get results and will look to get more points in the upcoming fixtures to get a direct promotion to the top division. They are only two points behind Leeds United who are the table toppers and surely anything can happen as a lot of fixtures are yet to be played in the Championship.

In 20 games, they have won 19 matches, drawn six, and lost five games. With 61 points on the table, they find themselves in the third spot and they can’t afford to drop points as other teams are also just behind them in the race. In the last five games, they won three and lost two games, their losses came against Cardiff City and Hull City. They can’t afford to take Pompey highly as they are capable of getting results away from home.

On the other hand, Portsmouth are struggling this season as they are not able to get results as per their expectations. They do have players who can give them the results but due to inconsistency, they are not able to get good results. Injuries are making things even more complicated for the Pompey coaching staff. They will have to be confident and get good results in the upcoming game to go high up in the points table.

In 30 games, they have won seven games, nine ended in a stalemate and they lost 14 games. With 30 points on the board, they find themselves at the 20th spot. Despite getting poor results the club management trusts the coaching staff to deliver results in the upcoming games. In the last five fixtures, they won twice, drawn once, and lost twice. Pompoey’s performance away from home has been poor and surely facing the Blades at Bramall Lane will be a difficult take for the away team. This will be a mouthwatering clash for sure.

On that note, let’s take a look at Sheffield United vs Portsmouth team news:

Sheffield United Team News

For the home team, Kieffer Moore and Ollie Arbalster will be unavailable due to injuries. The rest of the players are fit and will be available for the upcoming fixture.

Portsmouth Team News

The away team will miss, Regan Poole, Ibane Bowat, Jacob Farrell, Paddy Lane, Mark O’Mahony, and Kusini Yengi for the upcoming match. Jordan Williams is doubtful for the match.

Also Read: Coventry vs Leeds United Prediction, Lineups, Preview and Team News | EFL Championship, February 5, 2025

Sheffield United vs Portsmouth Predicted Lineups

Sheffield United Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: Michael Cooper

Defenders: Harry Clarke, Anel Ahmedhozic, Jack Robinson (C), Harrison Burrows

Midfielders: Hamza Choudhury, Vinicius Souza

Forwards: Ben Bereton Diaz, Rhian Brewster, Callum O’Hare, Tom Cannon

Portsmouth Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: Nicolas Schmid

Defenders: Zak Swanson, Conor Shaughnessy, Robert Atkinson, Connor Ogilvie

Midfielders: Freddie Potts, Andre Dozzell

Forwards: Matt Ritchie, Callum Lang, Josh Murphy, Colby Bishop

Sheffield United vs Portsmouth Head-to-Head Record

Both teams have faced off each other 77 times out of which, Sheffield United won 39 fixtures, 11 matches ended in a draw and Portsmouth won 27. In the last five fixtures, Sheffield United won two, one ended in a stalemate and Portsmouth won two.

Key Players to Watch in Sheffield United vs Portsmouth

Callum O’Hare(Sheffield United)

The midlands-born midfielder is a frightening player to face off against in a favoured one-on-one situation, he continues to mature into a masterful dribbler and a menace all over the pitch, with the technical quality that has seen his reputation skyrocket in recent times. He possesses a game-changing ability, and his lack of fear makes him even more of a threat on the pitch. He does not panic in difficult situations and likes to trash-talk his opponents on the pitch.

In 30 games, he has scored two goals and provided five assists till now. In the last five fixtures, he took eight shots on goal out of which three were on target, he also generated 1.1 xG in those fixtures and made four blocks as well. Overall, he is a hardworking player who will create a lot of problems for the away team for sure.

Josh Murphy (Portsmouth)

Josh is a fantastic progressor of the ball, predominantly via carries, having the ability to eat up ground. He’s got such bravery and intensity with the ball at his feet and is so comfortable and willing to run at players and commit them to 1v1 scenarios. Another fantastic quality of Josh is his ability to draw fouls, he is one of the very best in the business at it. He’s got really clean ball-striking, fantastic positioning, and the innate ability to create a yard of space for himself even in the tightest of areas.

In 26 games, he scored five goals and provided five assists. In the last five fixtures, he took 16 shots out of which six were on target. He generated 0.6xG and made two crucial blocks as well. He is a player who with his pace can create a lot of trouble for the opposition’s defence.

Sheffield United vs Portsmouth Prediction

The home team are much better this season as compared to Portsmouth and are one of the favourites to get a promotion to the Premier League. Despite Portsmouth having some good players they will face a tough challenge away from home. This will be an exciting clash for sure but the home team are much better quality and most probably they will win this fixture.

Predicted Score: Sheffield United 2-0 Portsmouth

Also Read: Plymouth vs Oxford United Prediction, Lineups, Preview and Team News | EFL Championship, January 14, 2025

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