Wolves - Sheffield United predictions and free betting tips [25/02/2024]

On Sunday, 25th February, as part of the 26th round of the EPL, Wolverhampton will host Sheffield United on their home ground. Last weekend, Gary O'Neil's charges clinched a sensational victory over Tottenham with a score of 1:2 in London, while the Blades were thoroughly beaten by Brighton – 5:0.

Wolverhampton 

At present, Wolverhampton is in 11th place in the Premier League and is just 3 points away from the 7th position, which could lead to a ticket to the European competitions depending on the winners of the two domestic cups. Although the Wolves looked unconvincing in the first half of the season, in recent weeks the hosts have been pleasing their fans more often with successes. They won 5 out of the last 8 league matches, drew once and lost twice. Having suffered a setback from Brentford (0:2), the Wolves got the better of Tottenham (1:2) last weekend. Joao Gomes, with a header from a Pablo Sarabia cross, gave the Wolves a slight advantage before the break, but Dejan Kulusevski quickly levelled the scores on the board; just 17 minutes later, Pedro Neto found Gomes with his pass, who finished a swift counterattack with a goal. The team will host Brighton in the 1/8 final of the FA Cup next Wednesday. 

It's significant to mention that the hosts have lost the last two home matches – to Brentford and Manchester United, although they had an 8-match unbeaten run at Molineux before this. Wolverhampton is still forced to do without Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha (9 goals and 6 assists) – he is injured. South Korean Hee-Chan Hwang (10 goals and 3 assists), who returned to action last weekend after participation in the Asian Cup, is expected to start again on Sunday. The trio of attackers are complemented by Sarabia (2 goals and 6 assists) and Pedro Neto (2 goals and 9 assists), with Lemina and Joao Gomes likely to show up in the midfield. French talent Noa Lemina (PSG) was acquired by the Wolves this winter, but he has yet to make his debut for the new team. 

Sheffield United

The return of Sheffield to the top division is turning out to be a disaster, as the Blades are in last place in the Premier League, having garnered only 13 points in 25 rounds. The team is going to struggle to close a 7-point gap from 17th-placed Everton. After 7 matches without a win (2 draws and 5 losses), the striped ones claimed a 1:3 victory over direct competitor – Luton. However, last weekend, Chris Wilder's charges were routed by Brighton (0:5). After Mason Holgate got a red card for a horrendous foul on Kaoru Mitoma, consecutive goals were scored by Facundo Buonanotte, Danny Welbeck and Simon Adingra (two), as well as Jack Robinson. As a result, Sheffield became the first team in EPL history to concede five goals in three consecutive home matches in all competitions. 

In addition, 65 goals conceded after 25 rounds is the worst figure in the history of the competition. Having been knocked out of both national cups, Sheffield United can now focus exclusively on the league. Several players are still missing from the guests' squad – those are the experienced Basham and Egan, as well as substitutes Norrington-Davis (defender) and Jebbison (forward). In addition, the physical readiness of newcomer Brereton Diaz (2 goals in 3 games) and defender Baldock is in question, while centre back Holgate is suspended after being sent off last round. This winter, the club signed goalkeeper Ivo Grbic from Atletico Madrid, and the Croatian is sure to be between the sticks.

Head-to-Head

The Blades' first victory in the Premier League this season was indeed against the Wolves (2:1), however, since October 2002, the visitors have not triumphed at Molineux. 

Match prediction Wolverhampton - Sheffield United

O'Neil's charges are eager to take revenge on Sheffield United for the November defeat, and given the current state of the Blades, such an outcome is more than likely. Wolverhampton garners an average of 1.5 points per home game and is motivated by the battle for the European zone – it's barely conceivable that the visitors could counter the opponent this Sunday. My prediction – a victory for the favourite.