Two Championship sides with very different league fortunes look to advance their season in other ways as they start their FA Cup campaigns with this third round clash.
FA Cup
Bet on Sheffield United to win
Our 3 predictions for Sheffield United vs Cardiff City
- 1st prediction: Sheffield United to win
- 2nd prediction: Under 3.5 goals in the match
- 3rd prediction: Both teams to score – No
1st prediction for Sheffield United vs Cardiff City – Sheffield United to win 79/100
This prediction, like the others, is based off the two sides’ league form; the FA Cup is known to be a different beast entirely though. That being said, the two teams have had very different seasons and all the stats are pointing towards only one outcome. The home team are going for promotion and are seriously difficult to beat at Bramall Lane, while Cardiff are battling relegation. In addition to this, Cardiff have a notoriously poor FA Cup record, winning only nine times in the sixteen seasons since they lost to Portsmouth in the final, and only one win in the last four seasons. On that basis, it’s hard to look past a home win.
2nd prediction for Sheffield United vs Cardiff City: Under 3.5 goals in the game 29/100
There won’t be too many goals in this one, despite there being a potentially more expansive game than there would be in the league, given the nature of the cup. The Blades’ defensive record is frankly ridiculous, and they’ve let in barely any at home this season, making Bramall Lane a fortress. If they get the first goal it’s hard to see Cardiff coming back as Sheffield United suffocate any attempts. While Cardiff have been poor at times, it’s difficult to see this one being a thrashing due to how their opponents play, but a home win by a goal or two, with a clean sheet, is likely.
3rd prediction for Sheffield United vs Cardiff City: Both teams to score – No 23/25
This prediction is a combination of the two teams, and an addition to the previous predictions. Cardiff have improved in attack having been unable to score to save their lives at the start of the season, though their record is still not incredible, with inconsistent results of late. Sheffield United haven’t exactly been unbelievable in front of goal, but they’ve done enough to get ahead and stay ahead in most games. This has been as a result of their defence, which has been incredible. They may only get one, but that will likely be enough.
Best odds for Sheffield United vs Cardiff City
| Bookmaker | Sheffield United | Cardiff City |
| MyriadPlay | 79/100 | 59/20 |
| Betarno | 83/100 | 3/1 |
Full preview of the game: last results and head to head
Going into this game, things couldn’t be more different for the teams. Sheffield United are firmly in the promotion hunt in the league, while Cardiff look to fight relegation, so cup success is likely not the priority at the moment. In their last five, it’s very mixed for both sides, with two defeats each. Curiously, this run includes the last meeting between the two sides, which went Sheffield United’s way. Both sides gained points in their last games; Sheffield United beating Watford and Cardiff drawing with Middlesbrough.
In terms of this fixture’s history, it’s not pretty reading for Cardiff fans. Sheffield United have won the last three by an aggregate of 7-1, including a 2-0 win just before Christmas. Bluebirds fans will be hoping their side can buck the trend for a positive result on Thursday.
Confrontation
18/04/2025
Championship Championship
Sheffield United
Cardiff City
2
0
09/01/2025
FA Cup FA Cup
Sheffield United
Cardiff City
0
1
21/12/2024
Championship Championship
Cardiff
Sheffield Utd
0
2
15/04/2023
Championship Championship
Sheffield United
Cardiff City
4
1
12/11/2022
Championship Championship
Cardiff City
Sheffield United
0
1
Last Results - Sheffield United 
24/05/2025
Championship Championship
Sheffield United
Sunderland
1
2
L
12/05/2025
Championship Championship
Sheffield United
Bristol City
3
0
W
08/05/2025
Championship Championship
Bristol City
Sheffield United
0
3
W
03/05/2025
Championship Championship
Sheffield United
Blackburn Rovers
1
1
D
25/04/2025
Championship Championship
Stoke City
Sheffield United
0
2
W
Last Results - Cardiff
12/07/2025
Club Friendlies Club Friendlies
Cardiff
Southend
3
0
W
09/07/2025
Club Friendlies Club Friendlies
Cardiff
Johor DT
2
2
D
03/05/2025
Championship Championship
Norwich City
Cardiff City
4
2
L
26/04/2025
Championship Championship
Cardiff City
West Bromwich Albion
0
0
D
21/04/2025
Championship Championship
Cardiff City
Oxford United
1
1
D
Where to watch Sheffield United vs Cardiff City
This match is being televised in Wales as part of the UK’s coverage of the FA Cup. Here’s where to watch it either in person or on television:
- Location: Bramall Lane, Sheffield, UK, S2 4SU
- Channel: BBC Wales
- Date and time: 7pm UK Time, Thursday 9th January 2025
Probable lineups for Sheffield United vs Cardiff City
Given that both sides have got important goals to achieve in the league and are facing tough competition for those goals, they’re likely to rest key players for this game and rotate their squads to give themselves the best chance in the Championship. Here’s how we think they’ll line up.
Sheffield United
Line up: A Davies, S McCallum, J Robinson, A Ahmedhodzic, J Shackleton, V Souza, T Davies, C O’Hare, A Brooks, J Rak-Sakyi, R Brewster
Injuries/suspensions: O Arblaster, H Souttar (injured)
Coach: Chris Wilder
Cardiff City
Line up: J Alnwick, A Rinomhota, P Ng, D Goutas, J Bagan, C Chambers, J Ralls, A Robertson, C Willock, Y Meite, R Colwill
Injuries/suspensions: A Ramsey, K Etete, R Simic (all injured)
Coach: Omer Riza
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