Prediction and odds for the game: Leicester (21/20) v Sheffield United (29/10)
We are backing the draw at odds of 9/4
When: Thursday, 16th July 2020, Kick-off 18:00
Where: The King Power Stadium
On Thursday evening, Leicester and Sheffield United go head-to-head in the Premier League, in what could be a vital game for both teams’ chances of a top-four finish this season.
Leicester
The Foxes received a blow to their chances of Champions League football on Monday morning when the CAS ruled that Manchester City will not serve a two-year European ban. That means that only the teams that finish in the Premier League’s top-four will play in Europe’s elite competition next season.
Brendan Rodgers team are still fourth-place in the table but are now only above fifth-place Manchester United because of a superior goal difference of three goals.
What is concerning for the Foxes is their recent form in the Premier League. The home side has won just once in their previous six games in the English top-flight. Last time out they suffered a shock 4-1 defeat against relegation-threatened Bournemouth after the dismissal of centre-back Caglar Soyuncu.
Even their normally steady home form has slipped of late in the Premier League, as Rodgers team has won just two of their previous five matches on home soil.
Sheffield United
The Blades continue to surprise teams in the English top-flight. The team from Yorkshire are currently seventh place in the table, but a victory in this clash would move Chris Wilder’s team to within two points of the home team. It would blow the race for the top-four wide open.
After a brief dip in form at the end of June, the visitors are now four games unbeaten in the Premier League, having recorded three wins and a draw. Last time out, the Blades hammered Chelsea 3-0 at Bramall Lane to continue their good campaign. The win has put the visitors in a strong position to at least finish in the Europa League spots this season.
The only recent negative for Sheffield United is that they have won just once in their last eight away games in the English top-flight. They have also failed to win in their last four league matches on their travels, having scored just once in the run. It seems that scoring goals away from home has been a big problem for the Blades of late in the top-flight, as they have scored just three goals in that recent poor run of away form.
Conclusion
This one is hard to predict, as on their day Leicester can be a very good team. However, they have struggled for form of late. In contrast, Sheffield United’s form has improved, although they are still unconvincing on their travels. We are backing the draw in this game. The other bet we are backing is under 2.5 goals scored.
Verdict: We are backing the draw at odds of 9/4 and/or under 2.5 goals scored at odds of 4/6. (All odds are taken from Bet365).
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Which team will boost their European chances at the King Power Stadium?
