Kick-off: 1500, 30/01/2021
Stadium: Etihad Stadium
TV: Sky Sports
Manchester City are expected to continue their relentless march towards another title triumph by easing past Sheffield United on Saturday.
The Blades sprang a major surprise when winning at Old Trafford on Wednesday but are unlikely to find the Blues in the same lacklustre mood as their neighbours.
City have conceded just one goal in seven consecutive Premier League victories and have won the last three renewals of this fixture to nil.
None of those head-to-head meetings were blow-outs, though, so 9/10 for Pep Guardiola’s side to prevail and under 3.5 goals in the game is our first Man City vs Sheff Utd prediction.
A Look At Manchester City’s Betting Odds
City are sitting pretty on top of the table after Tuesday’s 5-0 romp at West Brom made it 11 straight wins in all competitions.
Ilkay Gundogan’s first-half brace and goals from Joao Cancelo, Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling earned the Blues an emphatic triumph at The Hawthorns.
However, Guardiola is determined not to let complacency set in, as the Citizens seek a third title in four seasons.
He said: “The last thing I’m thinking of is the table. Now I want to come back home safely, have a few days off and Sheffield United is all I’m concerned about.
“We still have 19 games to go in this incredible marathon. We are going to drop points and lose games but the important thing is to be calm, like we were when we were 12th in the table.
“This is all I’m concerned about now. It’s the Premier League, welcome, it’s so tough for everyone. You know it’s competitive but we have had a good run.”
Gundogan has now scored seven goals in his last eight league outings and looks set to become more and more pivotal during Kevin De Bruyne’s injury absence.
Looking at the Man City vs Sheff Utd odds, we like 6/5 for the midfielder to score in a home win.
Last Man City line-up: Ederson, Dias, Stones, Zinchenko, Cancelo, Gundogan, Rodri, Silva, Sterling, Mahrez, Foden.
A Look At Sheffield United’s Betting Odds
Sheffield United boosted their hopes of pulling off a great escape with a gutsy 2-1 success away to Manchester United in midweek.
There was a hint of controversy about Kean Bryan’s opener from a 23rd-minute corner, with Billy Sharp accused of impeding David De Gea.
Harry Maguire then equalised against his former club, but Oliver Burke’s deflected shot on 74 minutes proved the decider.
A resilient display of defending by the Blades kept the Red Devils from going back to the summit, with Chris Wilder’s men repeatedly putting their bodies on the line to block shots and crosses.
“It’s great for the players because it’s been a real difficult season,” said Wilder. “That type of attitude and identity makes me proud and delights me.”
After picking up just two points from their first 17 league games this term, the Blades have now won two of their last three top-flight fixtures, as well as enjoying a couple of FA Cup victories.
However, their squad is still stretched due to injury issues, so Wednesday night’s exertions may well take a toll.
Raheem Sterling did us a favour by scoring City’s final goal at West Brom and we’re now taking 14/1 for him to net first in a 3-0 home win to complete our Man City vs Sheff Utd betting tips.
Last Sheff Utd line-up: Ramsdale, Baldock, Basham, Jagielka, Ampadu, Bryan, Fleck, Lundstram, Norwood, Sharp, McGoldrick.
Additional stats
Last result:
West Brom 0-5 MAN CITY – Ilkay Gundogan (2), Joao Cancelo, Riyad Mahrez, Raheem Sterling
Man Utd 1-2 SHEFF UTD – Kean Bryan, Oliver Burke
Head-to-head: Sheff Utd 0-1 Man City, Sheff Utd 0-1 Man City, Man City 2-0 Sheff Utd
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