Sheffield United host Portsmouth in the Championship on Wednesday evening as both sides look to build on impressive wins this weekend.
Sheffield United have had a dismal season, finding themselves in the bottom three after sixteen games. However, last weekend’s victory over bitter rivals Sheffield Wednesday could be the turning point for SUFC.
The Blades had been winless in four games, with Chris Wilder did not have the desired impact for the club after replacing Ruben Selles. Tyrese Campbell and Tom Cannon scored the goals as SUFC defeated 3-0 on Wednesday new signing Jairo Riedewald delivered an impressive performance.
Another fresh face Patrick Bamford made his debut this weekend and he will be hoping to build on a decent cameo. Sheffield United fans will be hoping for back-to-back wins for the second time this season.
Portsmouth have had a somewhat disappointing season themselves, but are currently four points ahead of their midweek opponents. John Mousinho’s side are 19th in the table after returning to victory on Saturday.
Pompey defeated play-off hopefuls Millwall 3-1 at Fratton Park. It was a much-needed result for Mousinho as the pressure began to mount after a six-match winless run.
John Mousinho’s record as Portsmouth boss
| Games | wins | Pulls | To lose |
| 141 | 60 | 39 | 42 |
Before the international break, Portsmouth had lost three of their last four games. They also conceded eight goals during that run, something that will need to be addressed in the coming weeks.
Here, a handful of our writers make their predictions for the game…
Charlie Hodgson
“A really big game for both sides here as they both look to get their seasons off to a flying start. Sheffield United need a win after their celebrations against Sheffield Wednesday as they can’t afford to get complacent after such a good performance in such a huge game.”
“Portsmouth, on the other hand, just haven’t built on the success of last season. Staying in the division was the aim last year and then you expected them to kick on, but that really hasn’t happened and they could be in danger again.
“Having said that, I do think Sheffield United will make it back to back wins. The Blades have a very good squad that hasn’t really clicked so far, but they will at some point. I think Sunday’s performance was a sign of things to come.”
Prediction: Sheffield United 2-0 Portsmouth
James Ray
“Sheffield United must use that derby day win as a turning point. It was the kind of result that can boost a season.”
“There’s no hiding the fact that the SUFC squad isn’t what it was last season, but there’s so much more to get out of it than we’ve seen so far this season. A confidence-boosting win over arch-rivals could just spark the Blades into life.
“Portsmouth, however, had a big win of their own last time out. After a poor run, a fine performance against a top side in Millwall will have gone a long way to silencing some recent complaints.
“Pompey’s poor away record gives United the perfect opportunity to build on their weekend win. It could be close and level on points, but I will be backing the hosts to make it two in a row.”
Prediction: Sheffield United 1-0 Portsmouth
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