Leicester City vs Sheffield United
At the start of this season, few, if anyone, would have predicted this Premier League encounter would be a top seven clash – let alone with three games remaining!
The Premier League betting odds comfortably thought Leicester may be in the mix but not as high as fourth place and just a matter of games away from qualifying for the Champions League for the second time in five years.
Furthermore, did anyone really believe Sheffield United, newly promoted from the Championship last summer, would be involved in anything other than a battle to preserve top-flight status?
This SBOBET writer certainly did not!
Yet here we are and they just keep on producing Premier League highlights.
Talking Points
Indeed, a victory for Sheffield United at Leicester on Thursday would put them within just two points of the Foxes who are in the fourth and final Champions League berth as it stands.
After a slow start to Project Restart, the Blades have taken 10 points from a possible 12 to revitalise their Euro prospects.
In contrast, a matter of weeks ago Leicester seemed certs to be at Europe’s top table next term but a dip in form has allowed Manchester United to draw level with them.
The Foxes were embarrassed 4-1 at Bournemouth on Sunday, although would have been boosted by late Southampton equaliser at Old Trafford on Monday night which means they have stayed ahead of the Red Devils.
Which Leicester City turn up for this game could be crucial to their top-four hopes: the one which capitulated so quickly on the south coast or the side which fought from behind at Arsenal just days earlier and almost won the game.
Both managers have spoken of the need for big performances in the build-up.
Home manager Brendan Rodgers knows there will need to be a much-improved showing for the Foxes who could once again be without left-back Ben Chilwell (foot) and midfielder James Maddison (hip).
Both players sat out the games against Bournemouth and Arsenal, while Maddison also missed Leicester’s victory over Crystal Palace 10 days ago.
Winger Marc Albrighton will also be assessed after coming off early at Bournemouth after suffering a knock.
For Sheffield United, midfielder John Fleck has been out injured for the Blades’ last four games but the Scotland international could be back in contention.
“We need three big performances and a huge performance on Thursday night,” the words of Blades boss Chris Wilder.
If he gets them, and Sheffield United get the points to qualify for Europe, he will be my manager of the season.
History
As head-to-head records go, I’ve never known one as closely contested.
Since meeting for the first time in 1900, these clubs have faced each other 96 times and the victory count is: Leicester 32 wins, Sheffield United 31 wins, draws 33!
It’s an incredible statistic after 120 years of football.
Incidentally, that very first meeting was in January 1920 in the preliminary round of the FA Cup when the Yorkshire club won by a solitary goal against a team known as Leicester Fosse.
Their clash earlier this season – which the Foxes won 2-1 courtesy of goals from Jamie Vardy and Harvey Barnes – was the only time until now they have met in the Premier League era.
Indeed, that was their first meeting in the top division since February 1976 in the then League Division One.
Leicester have won five of their most recent eight meetings with three further draws.
The last time Sheffield United defeated them was in the Championship in 2008 – a remarkable game if you were a home fan as James Beattie netted a hat-trick inside the first 19 minutes in a 3-0 success.
It was also the last season when they won on Leicester turf as earlier that campaign they triumphed 1-0 at the Walkers Stadium, thanks to a Danny Webber goal.
Betting Tip
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Leicester City vs Sheffield United | Leicester City Asian Handicap -0.75 @ 2.38 |
| July 17, 01:00 (GMT+8) |
Leicester are favourites to bounce back and can duly be backed 1X2 @ 2.05 or Asian Handicap -0.50 @ 2.05. Sheffield United are available to tip 1X2 @ 3.75 and with Asian Handicap odds +0.25 @ 2.23.
A repeat of Leicester’s 2-1 win early in the season with correct score odds can be backed @ 7.80, or how about over 2.50 goals @ 2.17, or even the draw @ 3.15?
Not for me though. I feel Leicester will be too fired up to let more points slip through the net and expect the Foxes to blunt the Blades.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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|---|---|---|---|
| = €20 (Highly confident) |
 = €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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