Sheffield United vs. Newcastle Odds
Sheffield United Odds | +148 [BET NOW] |
Newcastle Odds | +205[BET NOW] |
Draw | +215[BET NOW] |
Over/Under | 2.5 (+145/-182) [BET NOW] |
Day | Time | Tuesday | 1 p.m. ET |
How To Watch | Peacock Premium |
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Clubs in dire need of a positive result hit the pitch Tuesday when Sheffield United welcomes Newcastle United to Bramall Lane for a Premier League tilt.
The Blades, currently sitting in last place on the 20-team table, enter this fixture on a three-match losing streak. Most recently, Sheffield United suffered a 2-0 loss to Crystal Palace before the brief rest period.
Sheffield United has now gone 270-plus minutes without a goal, which has the league's cellar dweller up against it entering the second half of the campaign.
On the other side, things are going slightly better for the Magpies. And when I say "slightly better," that's precisely how things have been going for the Tyneside outfit. Newcastle, fresh off a hard-fought, 2-1 setback to Leicester United, is comfortably in 15th place on 19 points.
Needless to say, both sides could really use a victory in this spot. Let's take a look at what could be in store with these clubs in this showdown.
Sheffield United
Things have definitely hit rock bottom for the Blades, who have picked up just two points in 17 matches on their way to an 0-2-15 (W-D-L) record in the process.
Those lone points came via draws with Brighton & Hove Albion four games back and fellow relegation-zone club Fulham.
However, there has been one bright spot this season for Sheffield United and it came less than two weeks ago via its 3-2 win over Championship side Bristol in the third round of the FA Cup.
That big effort marked its first victory of the entire season across 19 overall contests. The three-goal effort was something to take note of, considering the fact the Blades had only scored more than one goal in a match once this entire season prior to that offensive outburst.
If you look at Sheffield United's overall numbers, they absolutely reflect a club sitting at the bottom of the table.
The Blades have generated just 15.8 expected goals and a brutal 25.5 expected goals against, resulting in dismal -9.7 xGDiff and -0.57 xGDiff/90 minutes. Sheffield United ranks 19th out of 20 teams in xGDiff and xGDiff/90, which is simply not good enough to stay up in this league.
Newcastle
Manager Steve Bruce and the Magpies are hoping a meeting with the league's worst side can deliver them their first win since a Dec. 12 home victory over West Bromwich Albion at St. James' Park.
Finding the back of the net has become a recent problem for the Magpies, who have been shutout in four of their last five contests. That lone goal came via Andy Carroll in the Leicester City defeat.
And just how stagnant has Newcastle's offense become in the opposition's defensive third of pitch? The club has generated measly 0.3 xG/0.3 xG/0.2 xG outputs in its last three league fixtures.
When comparing the advanced metrics with Sheffield United, Newcastle holds an edge in all four major statistical categories. However, the numbers are nothing to brag about it.
The Magpies sit on a disappointing 15.0 expected goals and mediocre 21.5 expected goals against, generating in a -6.5 xGDiff and -0.41 for xGDiff/90 minutes. Sheffield United's xG are actually better than Newcastle, but neither figures are anything to write home about.
Overall, the Magpies seem to do just enough to barely avoid a late-season relegation scrap and live to see another campaign in England's top flight.
Betting Analysis & Picks
Go ahead and call me crazy, but I think this is a huge chance for Sheffield United to scratch out a result and maybe even a victory.
You have got to think that win over Bristol did absolute wonders for the club's psyche, which I believe should carry over into this match against a Newcastle side that hasn't earned a road point since a Nov. 27 victory over Crystal Palace.
Sheffield United has been far and away the better team in terms of possession over the last three league games as well. Take a look:
- Newcastle — 25% | 27% | 45 %
- Sheffield United — 44% | 64% | 55%
That all being said, I am backing Sheffield United via the Draw No Bet line at minus-136 odds. If there was ever a time the Blades were ever going to get off the snide, this just might be the place.
I will also back the total staying under the alternative number of 2.25 goals. You are getting a fair price at minus-141 odds, which is much better than the -182 at 2.5 goals.
Both sides' goal-scoring woes have been documented above, plus you have to like your chances with this angle knowing seven of Newcastle's last eight road league matches have finished with less than three goals.
Picks: Sheffield United — Draw No Bet (-136) | Total Under 2.25 Goals (-141)