Sheffield United vs Leeds predictions: Blades can strike a telling blow
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- Leeds are top of the Championship on 72 points
- Sheffield United are second, two points behind the Whites
- Recommended bet: Sheffield United to win
The top two in the Championship meet at Bramall Lane for a crucial encounter on Monday evening, when Sheffield United play host to Leeds United.
With the Whites sitting two points clear of the Blades at the summit, there is huge amounts riding on this clash in South Yorkshire, especially as third-placed Burnley are just four points off top spot.
Team news
Gustavo Hamer, Kiefer Moore and Tom Cannon missed the win over Luton last time out and the Blades trio are facing a race against time to be fit for this contest.
Femi Seriki, Ollie Arblaster, Sai Sachdev and former Leeds player Jamie Shackleton are all expected to miss out.
Max Wober and Patrick Bamford remain sidelined for Leeds, who are also sweating over the fitness of Manor Solomon after he took a heavy blow in the win over Sunderland.
Manager Daniel Farke will not be in the dugout as he serves a touchline ban for picking up his third yellow card of the season last time out.
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The stats
Sheffield United's haul of 38 points at home this season is the second-best record in the Championship, with only Leeds ahead of them (44).
The Blades have conceded just 10 goals at Bramall Lane in the league, the third-best defensive record, but they failed to keep a clean sheet in their last three home assignments.
Leeds are on a four-game winning run in the league, recording victories over Cardiff (7-0), Coventry (2-0), Watford (4-0) and Sunderland (2-1).
The Whites are unbeaten in their last seven away fixtures, winning four and drawing three, while they have picked up 1-0 wins on their last two visits to the Blades.
Prediction
Both teams know just how massive three points would be at Bramall Lane and the pair head into this contest on four-game winning streaks in the league.
The Blades edged past Luton last time out, netting in the 79th minute, while the Whites scored with the last kick of the game to secure a 2-1 comeback victory over Sunderland.
Fine margins will decide the winner of this contest and with Chris Wilder's side such a force at Bramall Lane, home advantage could be the decisive factor.
The Blades have won three of their last four home outings, the only blot during that run a shock defeat to Hull, so they may just have the edge over a Leeds side missing their manager.
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