Sheffield United v Brighton predictions: Big opportunity for Seagulls

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Brighton on Saturday.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Premier League & Main Event, 8pm, Saturday

Best bet

Brighton to win to nil
1pt 8-5 bet365

Team news

Sheffield United
With Billy Sharp and Oli McBurnie ruled out for the season, Rhian Brewster will be looking for a sustained run in the side while Oliver Burke and Lys Mousset push for a start. Chris Basham and Sander Berge are closing in on a return to full fitness and will hope to make the match-day squad.

Brighton
Ben White is ruled out through suspension which will force a reshuffle at the back with Adam Veltman expected to move inside, with Pascal Gross filling in down the right. Percy Tau and Florin Andone (both thigh) face late fitness tests.

Match preview

Saturday evening is a prime-time slot for TV entertainment but Sheffield United's home clash with Brighton may struggle to live up to those expectations.

The Blades' defeat to Wolves last weekend confirmed their long-expected relegation back to the Championship, while Brighton have been inching themselves towards safety, with the goalless draw at Chelsea on Tuesday giving the Seagulls a seven-point cushion over Fulham in 18th.

Crucially for Graham Potter's men, they have also played one game fewer than the Cottagers and it could be argued that they have already done enough to maintain their Premier League status.

However, they will certainly not be resting on their laurels until they are mathematically secure so the visitors have added motivation as at least one factor in their favour.

Both sides might appreciate the clash being at Bramall Lane - United have picked up ten of their 14 points this season at home, while Brighton have earned 20 points on the road, compared to 14 at the Amex.

The Seagulls have lost six games both home and away, but they have been able to find those elusive wins more readily on the road, having been held eight times on their own patch.

Brighton's ability to keep relegation trouble at arm's length has been built on solid foundations - only six teams have conceded fewer than their 38 goals - while Ben White's suspension might have proved problematic against any other side.

The Seagulls have kept eight clean sheets in 2021 and White has been an integral part of their solid backline but they should be confident of keeping another without him against the lowest scorers in the division, who have mustered just 17 goals in their 32 games.

The absence of Oli McBurnie and Billy Sharp has reduced Paul Heckingbottom's attacking options but they are struggling at both ends of the pitch regardless, having scored just one goal in six successive defeats.

Potter's side have hardly been prolific but they should be confident of getting the better of the basement side to take another step towards their confirmed survival in what is unlikely to be a classic, with Brighton to win and under 2.5 goals also tempting at 12-5.

Key stat

Brighton have kept eight clean sheets in 2021 while Sheffield United have failed to score in five of their last six games, all defeats.

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