Sunderland face a trip to Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Saturday evening, needing to turn around their fortunes at the ground. The Black Cats will be hoping to improve upon a record which has seen them ending up on the losing side in more than half of the games played between the two.
The most recent encounter between these two sides was less than a year ago, in December 2002, with Sheff Utd running out comfortable 2 - 0 winners in a League Cup match.
For a detailed analysis of the head-to-head between the two sides, click here
| Recent encounters between the teams: | |||||
| 2002/2003 | Tue 03 Dec | Sheff Utd | 2 - 0 | Sunderland | LC |
| 1998/1999 | Sat 24 Apr | Sunderland | 0 - 0 | Sheff Utd | LD1 |
| 1998/1999 | Sat 28 Nov | Sheff Utd | 0 - 4 | Sunderland | LD1 |
| 1997/1998 | Sat 10 Jan | Sunderland | 4 - 2 | Sheff Utd | LD1 |
| 1997/1998 | Sun 10 Aug | Sheff Utd | 2 - 0 | Sunderland | LD1 |
| 1995/1996 | Sat 13 Apr | Sheff Utd | 0 - 0 | Sunderland | LD1 |
| 1995/1996 | Sat 18 Nov | Sunderland | 2 - 0 | Sheff Utd | LD1 |
Recent respective form guides
Sheffield United have lost just once in their last six home games, winning four and drawing the other one. These high-scoring games have yielded a total of 13 goals for the Blades, with 6 goals against.
The Black Cats have had a decent run of form away from home recently, coming away with three points on 3 occassions, but drawing 1 and losing 2. The games have constituted a decent return of 10 goals for the Black Cats, and 8 goals against.
Sheff Utd are leading the way in the Nationwide League Division One, with their 10 games giving them a return of 23 points. Sunderland's total of 19 points from their 10 games sees them sitting in the playoff places in Nationwide League Division One.
For a detailed analysis of team form guides throughout the leagues, click here
| Current form guides: | P | W | D | L | F | A | P |
| Sheff Utd | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 15 | 10 | 12 |
| Sunderland | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 11 | 11 | 10 |
FootyMad's prediction ...
Neither team is setting the world alight, and I think this game will result in a narrow home win for the Blades. Home win
| Sequence statistics: | |
| Sheff Utd | 6 games since last home draw. Not drawn a match in their last 9 . |
| Sunderland | Not won in previous 2 away matches. Last drawn game 4 outings ago. |