The city of Sheffield has a long and proud tradition in the game of football. Both clubs have enjoyed success over the years, something you will be aware of as a fan of either Wednesday or United. In the modern game, things are looking up for both clubs that currently play in the Sky Bet Championship.
But just what can you expect from either Wednesday or United as a fan and how much hope can you have of them making the jump to the Premier League next season?
Sheffield United – the story so far
In the season to date, Sheffield United has made a fine start. While the last couple of results haven’t gone their way, this doesn’t detract from their impressive overall form so far in the Championship. This is even more satisfying for fans when you consider they were promoted from League 1 last season, albeit as winners.
Looking forward to the end of the season, you would probably think they will finish just out of the play-off spots. This would be a respectable result on their first season back in the Championship though. It represents a realistic target for them although you could argue that they have a chance of making the play-off places, providing they can shake off the last couple of defeats and not have an extended bad run.
What do United bring to the party?
If you are a Sheffield United fan, then you know that the main strength of the team is their fluid, attacking play. With that in mind, it is no surprise that the top players are now the attacking two, Leon Clarke and Billy Sharp.
In many ways, you could argue that this emphasis on attacking teams is also United’s biggest weakness. Manager Chris Wilder must be lauded for his positive approach, but it can sometimes cost the team points, as you will know if you are a Blades fan. It may require him to change tactics later in the season when needed to secure valuable points for the club.
Sheffield Wednesday – how has 2017 gone to date?
If you are an Owls fan, then this has been a frustrating season. Wednesday currently sit in the lower half of the table, which is not what you would have been expecting when the season started. Boss Carlos Carvalhal is facing some pressure due to the side’s patchy form so he will be hoping to hang on to turn it around.
The main problem for Wednesday has been a combination of poor results against so-called lesser teams, injuries to important players and the ability to snatch a draw from games you expected them to win. In terms of the probable finish position come season’s end, you would have to expect them to improve and maybe end up around 8th or 9th.
What makes Sheffield Wednesday tick?
The strengths of Sheffield Wednesday lie in the team’s compactness and a cautious approach that has made them quite solid. They also have a great squad which you would have been happy about as an Owls fan at the start of the season.
If you are a Wednesday fan, then you will know their main weaknesses are a lack of consistency and a lack of attacking power as a team. They can be a little-too cautious at times which sees them not taking charge of and winning games they probably should. A lot of the goal threat lies with Gary Hooper, so you hope he has a good remainder of the season.
What do the bookies say?
By far, one of the best ways to find out how your team is expected to do is with a bookmaker. These firms study every stat you can find to give a price on what might happen come May 2018. For Sheffield United, the most popular event they flag is the odds of being promoted to the Premier League at around 4/1.
If you are an Owls fan, then the current bookmakers’ odds suggest a probable mid-table finish. With relegation being offered at around 80/1 but promotion being roughly 25/1, it would seem a season of steady progress is on the cards. All the odds and team news can be found at the websites of bookmakers including online at Stakers.com.
An exciting season awaits
Whatever team in Sheffield you follow, the 2017/18 season looks set to have lots of thrills and surprises. Both Wednesday and United will hope they can push as high up the table as possible by the end of the season. With football being such an unpredictable game, it is certainly worth keeping a close eye on developments to ensure you know what is happening with your favourite team.
