FA Cup on sunday

Sheffield Utd V Middlesborough

Sheffield United have fallen a long way since they were in the premiership but a few short seasons ago. They are now just hovering above the drop zone in the Championship and have some very important games coming up. However it’s the FA Cup that has to be concentrated on today and the visit of Middlesborough. Bryan Robson departed as boss and was quickly replaced by Kevin Blackwell on Thursday. The home team have looked a little more composed in recent times with them unbeaten in 5 games and in this round courtesy of a 2 – 1 win over Man City in the last tie. Scoring goals has been a big problem for them this season with only 34 goals from 32 games, a stat that sees them amongst the lowest scorers in the league. They have only scored 2 or more in five of their home games from a total of sixteen.
Middlesborough are also very similar to Sheffield in the scoring charts. 23 goals in 26 games in total leave's them only ahead of Derby in the goalscoring table. Their away games haven’t been too exciting either with 6 of the last 7 finishing under 2.5 goals.
Middlesborough seem to have found their feet though in the premiership this season and for the first time in a long while they look to be safe from relegation, even at this early stage. They are no pushovers and rely on a defensive style to their game and it’s hard to see where a shot shy team like Sheffield United will punish them . Boro are not exactly prolific in front of goals either though and may struggle against a side going for their third clean sheet in a row.
I wouldn’t rule out the 0 – 0 draw here or possibly a 1 – 0 win for Boro.

PICK
Sheffield United V Middlesborough under 2.5 goals ( 1.73 @ paddy power) 4 points