Manchester City vs Sheffield United betting preview: odds and predictions
DID Manchester City kick-off their famous second-half-of-the-season run in midweek? Either way, Sheffield United look lambs to the slaughter at the Etihad on Saturday…
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Quick betting tips for Man City vs Sheffield Utd
- Alvarez to assist at any time – 12/5 with Spreadex
- City to win both halves – 8/1 with bet365
- Baldock 2+ fouls – evens with Sky Bet
Man City vs Sheffield Utd odds
Here are the latest match odds for Manchester City vs Sheffield United from our top-rated football bookmakers. Odds are subject to change.
Man City vs Sheffield Utd betting preview
Manchester City impressed in the way they fought back from a half-time deficit to beat Everton in midweek and it was the sort of display which had you wondering if they had just kick-started their season.
So often under Pep Guardiola, we’ve seen them click into another gear around this time of year, heading off on a big winning run which has essentially carried them to the title.
With Kevin de Bruyne nearing a return, Erling Haaland expected back next month and Jeremy Doku another who will slot back into the squad at some point, the ingredients are certainly there for another second-half surge.
Even without those players, City should be way too good for a Sheffield United side unable to stop what looks like a slide back towards the Championship.
While there has been an upturn since Chris Wilder’s reappointment as manager, the fact is they’ve still collected only four points from a possible 15 in that period.
Away from home, they’ve claimed just two points from nine games, five of which have been lost by multiple goals.
They’ve already been battered 5-0 at Arsenal and Burnley and it would be no surprise were they to go the same way at the Etihad, particularly given they will be without both captain Anel Ahmedhodzic and midfield lynchpin Gustavo Hamer.
From a betting perspective, this looks all about trying to find good ways of getting with the hosts which is, hopefully, what we’ve done below.
Man City vs Sheffield Utd key stats
- Sheffield United have never lost to Man City in the Premier League, while in their five away games against City they are yet to score.
- The Blades have failed to find the net in the first half of their last 10 Premier League away games.
- Man City are the highest scorers in the Premier League, netting 43 times in 18 games so far.
- Meanwhile, Sheffield United have the worst defence. The Blades have conceded 47 goals in their 19 matches.
- The Blades will be without the suspended Anel Ahmedhodzic and Gustavo Hamer at the Etihad, but welcome back Jayden Bogle from a ban. City have no suspension problems but will be without John Stones, who injured his ankle at Everton on Wednesday. Erling Haaland remains out but Kevin de Bruyne is close to a match return.
Man City vs Sheffield Utd best bets
Find our best bets for the Man City vs Sheffield Utd game below. Odds for the bets are provided by the best sportsbooks per our expert reviews. Odds in the betting tips are subject to change.
Julian Alvarez anytime assist
With City’s players unsurprisingly short in the goals and assists market, the Argentine World Cup star could offer a bit of value.
He’s now on eight assists for the season in all competitions with six coming in the Premier League – only three players have had more.
With the odds suggesting City will score at least three in this game, Alvarez looks a decent bet at 12/5 to assist.
Yes, it’s probably easier to do that as a number 10 rather than at centre forward but Alvarez has assisted in two of his six games since replacing Erling Haaland in that role.
Back Alvarez to assist at any time at 12/5 at Spreadex
City to win both halves
In the last two seasons, this bet has landed in five of City’s six home games against newly-promoted sides, only Fulham preventing the full house by getting to half time all square last term (they still lost).
The Blades have yet to score a first-half goal this season on the road – hardly surprising given they own the lowest shots-per-game figure – and with key players missing in the shape of Ahmedhodzic and Hamer, they look set for a tough afternoon.
City will dominate the ball and can break down a defence which has shipped more goals than any other side by some distance.
Back City to win both halves at 8/11 at bet365
George Baldock 2+ fouls
Baldock recently returned to the team and is known to be a favourite of returning boss Chris Wilder.
Playing right-back against Manchester City is usually a pretty tough task with Jack Grealish – one of the most-fouled players in the league – likely to be in direct opposition.
Baldock has committed at least two fouls in six of the eight games in which he’s played over 25 minutes this season.
Throw in referee David Coote, who is second for fouls awarded per game in this season’s Premier League, and Baldock looks a good price to extend that statistic.
Back Baldock 2+ fouls at evens at Sky Bet
How to watch Man City vs Sheffield Utd
- Location: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England
- Time: 15:00 GMT on Saturday, December 30
- Where to watch: Not being televised live on UK TV
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