Championship
Cardiff City - Sheffield United
City received a boost on friday when their transfer embargo was lifted, but I think it might take a little longer for the cloud over the welsh club to be lifted. They have had three weeks less recovery time than United having lost in the playoff final and the Blades know only too well , having fallen at the final hurdle themselves the previous year, how tough a blow that is to recover from and it normally takes a game or two to re-find your true level. Also, the financial problems at the club have yet to be sorted and they have had to let Joe Ledley go and replacement Jason Koumas is not yet fully fit, Stephen McPhail who is the real heartbeat of the side, although lower profile than several others, is missing today and will be sorely missed.
Cardiff City - Sheffield United
City received a boost on friday when their transfer embargo was lifted, but I think it might take a little longer for the cloud over the welsh club to be lifted. They have had three weeks less recovery time than United having lost in the playoff final and the Blades know only too well , having fallen at the final hurdle themselves the previous year, how tough a blow that is to recover from and it normally takes a game or two to re-find your true level. Also, the financial problems at the club have yet to be sorted and they have had to let Joe Ledley go and replacement Jason Koumas is not yet fully fit, Stephen McPhail who is the real heartbeat of the side, although lower profile than several others, is missing today and will be sorely missed.
The ongoing saga in South Wales is getting to several of the squad, especially those who are being courted big time by other clubs namely Whittingham and Chopra, which might mean them being distracted and wary of injury whilst their future is being resolved.
United had terrible luck with injuries last season and were without 6-7 players for almost the full season, yet still finished 8th, just 5 points off a playoff spot. They have kept faith with boss Kevin Blackwell and he has been wheeling and dealing in the summer to improve the overall quality of his squad, making a couple of eyecatching signings most notably, Leon Briitton from Swansea (he will be in for a very warm welcome today !!!) who covers an enormous amount of ground and can pass you off the pitch at times and turned down a move to the EPL earlier this year and Johannes Ertl who will add a touch of steel in front of the back four, which will cut down on the fraililties United showed on the road at times last season. Having said that, they collected more points from losing positions than any other Championship side, so do not fret too much if they fall behind, actually only champions Newcastle scored first in more games than City so a Cardiff- draw double result or half time/full time bet at circa 17.0 might be worth a small interest if you are so inclined. However, United to get off to a flyer for me.
Sheffield United +0.25 ball 2.0 .... currently trading a little lower.
Good Luck.
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