Notts County v Sheff Utd: Blades to capitalise on hosts’ home nerves
Published:Sheffield United boast one of League One’s two unbeaten records and, were it not for an influx of draws, would be sitting prettier than the third place they currently occupy.
As they’re only one point better off than the Magpies ahead of their trip to Meadow Lane, this game is sure to be tight, but the 7/4 underdog price for a Blades victory in this Johnstone’s Paint Trophy clash is worth taking advantage of.
County have been unpredictable on their own patch this term, winning three of their six league fixtures here, but losing as many, while their win in the previous round of the JPT came on the road.
They prepare to entertain United on the back of two home reverses to promotion rivals and that should buoy Danny Wilson’s men ahead of this contest.
The Blades are yet to feature in the JPT this term but had a tendency to field strong sides in their exploits last season. They picked up successive 2-1 wins on the road before coming unstuck at Brammall Lane in their maiden JPT venture; a generous 9/1 says they’ll repeat the feat this time around.
The two sides thrashed out a 1-1 draw at the end of September, with Dave Kitson netting the opener. It was the first of two goals with which he’s broken the deadlock in his Blades career and can be backed as 11/2 third-favourite to do the same again here.
Another Sheffield United draw – what would be their ninth of the campaign – would be a strong bet at 23/10 which, simultaneously, breathes value into the 9/2 for Keith Curle’s men to eliminate the Blades the same way Bradford did last term, via the lottery of penalty shootout.
All odds and markets accurate as of publication’s time and date
