English Premier League: Sheffield United v Brighton

27th round of English Premier League starts and Saturday’s matches include a game between Sheffield United and Brighton & Hove Albion. The game is important for both teams, so there will not be lack of stakes. Home team Sheffield is currently 6th in the standings, while Brighton is 15th in this 20 team league.

Sheffield United v Brighton – Starting points to this match

Newly promoted Sheffield United has had phenomenal season so far, and they have climbed up to 6th place in this seasons standings. The Blades are only 2 points shy from 4th place which would guarantee a place in Champions League group stage next season. Competition for the 4th place is tight, as Manchester United, Wolverhampton and Everton are all within striking distance.

Meanwhile, Brighton is fighting for their place in the league. The Seagulls are 15th only 3 points clear from relegation zone. Brighton, Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Watford and West Ham are all within 3 points from each other. Brighton is in a situation, where every lost point is a huge setback in relegation battle.

Sheffield United v Brighton – Season form and form in past 5 games

Sheffield United has 39 points this season. They have won 10, drawn 9 and lost 7 in their 26 matches. The Blades are scoring little over one goal per game on average (28 goals in 26 games), while giving away little under one goal per game (24 goals in 26 games). Sheffield United is 8th best home team in the league. They have 6 wins, 2 draws and 5 losses in 13 home games. They have scored 15 goals at home, while allowing 12.

Brighton has 27 points so far. Their record is 6 wins, 9 draws and 11 losses. The Seagulls score more goals than Sheffield, as they have total of 31 goals this season so far. On the other hand, they have allowed 38 goals this season. Brighton is 3rd to last when it comes to away records. In 13 away games they have won twice, drawn 3 and lost 8. They have scored 14 goals away from home and given away 24, third most in the league.

Sheffield is on a roll, Brighton struggling

Sheffield United is currently rolling in a three game win streak, which includes one FA Cup win and two Premier League wins. In their past 5 games, The Blades have lost only once, against Manchester City 0-1. Before the loss against The Citizens, Sheffield had a 1-1 draw against another English giant Arsenal. Sheffield United has 6 goals in 5 games and they have given away only 3.

Brighton has gone through 7 matches without a win in a row. In the past 5 games they have 3 draws and two losses. 4 of the last 5 games have been against Aston Villa, Bournemouth, West Ham and Watford, all the teams that are fighting against relegation. Brighton has 6 goals in 5 games, while allowing 9.

Sheffield United v Brighton – What to bet?

Sheffield has had a season and a half this year and are doing really well. Important wins against lower placed teams are coming at steady pace and performances against big teams are promising. Brighton has been scoring, but have been giving away goals a lot lately. If their defence doesn’t improve, they will be having a hard time stopping Sheffield, especially when The Blades are hosting the match. Brighton’s goal scoring is relying on 23-year-old Frenchman Neal Maupay, who has 7 goals so far. Maupay has gone 9 games without scoring. Sheffield United has a similar problem. 24-year-old Frenchman Lys Mousset has 5 goals this season, but hasn’t found the net in last 12 league matches. Billy Sharp and Oliver McBurnie have been starting games lately, and The Blades have gotten wins.

Sheffield has no injuries, Brighton is missing Jose Izquierdo and Dale Stephens. Both teams surely want points, but Sheffield United is better team, has better form and home advantage. Might be a low scoring match, where home team finds the winning ways.

Sheffield United v Brighton – The pick

SHEFFIELD UNITED

OlyBet 1.94
Lapalingo 1.95
LeoVegas 2.00