It’s a repeat of the play-offs this weekend as the Championship finally kicks off again, with Sheffield United hosting Bristol City, with the former having come within one game of promotion last term.
EFL Championship
Our 3 predictions for Mansfield Town vs Doncaster Rovers
- 1st prediction: Sheffield United to win or draw
- 2nd prediction: Over 2.5 goals in the game
- 3rd prediction: Both teams to score
1st prediction for Sheffield United vs Bristol City: Sheffield United to win or draw – 9/50
This is a difficult game to predict. Both sides are relatively unknown quantities having changed considerably since last season, both with new managers. The Blades have appointed Ruben Selles after somewhat harshly sacking club legend Chris Wilder, while Bristol City have brought in former Barnsley boss Gerhard Struber. They will both be looking to turn the page on last season and overcome play-off disappointment as they go for promotion again. Sheffield United in particular will have high hopes, with a very strong squad and expectations of going up. Last season’s play-off meeting, where the Blades thrashed the Robins, will be in both sides’ minds, with the away side looking to avenge that disappointment while the hosts will use it to their advantage as favourites,
2nd prediction for Sheffield United vs Bristol City: Over 2.5 goals in the game – 17/20
This should be an entertaining game with plenty of goals. Both sides will look to attack and put on a show for the first game of the season, and show their credentials as genuine promotion contenders. United are always a threat with their players and with being the home side, and the fans will hope to see more expansive football than previously, despite their success. They’ll be looking to go one better this season than last, and a front-foot performance here would really set the tone. Bristol City’s new manager Gerhard Struber is known for his intense style of play, so they will certainly go for it while potentially being slightly leaky. The Robins will be looking to avenge their play-off loss to the weekend’s opponents, so it should be an entertaining encounter.
3rd prediction for Sheffield United vs Bristol City: Both teams to score – 3/4
This is a game where both sides are fairly evenly matched and will want to start the season strongly to set the tone, so we will likely see a very open game. Both sides will want to put on a show and make a statement of intent, with the Blades wanting to impress the home crowd and show their capability under a new manager. They’re one of the promotion favourites this season, and will see this game as a prefect chance to start off on the right foot. There’s also the psychological advantage of beating their opponents in the play-offs, which will certainly have an impact. Bristol City will also have the mental edge of the play-off heartbreak, and will see this as a clean slate with a new boss. Either way, both sides will have plenty of opportunity to get themselves on the score sheet.
Best odds for Sheffield United vs Bristol City
| Bookmaker | Sheffield United | Draw | Bristol City |
| MyriadPlay | 3/4 | 27/10 | 18/5 |
| Gentleman Jim | 8/11 | 13/5 | 10/3 |
| Betarno | 37/50 | 267/100 | 7/2 |
Full preview of the game: last results and head to head
This is a really exciting game so early on. Both sides will look to build a run of good form to start the season, and to bounce back from play-off disappointment last season. The hosts finished 2024/25 four places and a huge number of points ahead of their opponents and that showed in the play-offs. Bristol City will be keen to put that right despite being away underdogs, which should make for a fascinating game.
Confrontation
09/08/2025
Championship Championship
Sheff Utd
Bristol City
1
4
12/05/2025
Championship Championship
Sheffield United
Bristol City
3
0
08/05/2025
Championship Championship
Bristol City
Sheffield United
0
3
11/03/2025
Championship Championship
Sheffield United
Bristol City
1
1
05/11/2024
Championship Championship
Bristol City
Sheffield United
1
2
Last Results - Sheffield Utd 
09/02/2026
Championship Championship
Sheffield Utd
Middlesbrough
1
2
L
03/02/2026
Championship Championship
Sheffield Utd
Oxford Utd
3
1
W
31/01/2026
Championship Championship
Millwall
Sheffield Utd
1
1
D
24/01/2026
Championship Championship
Sheffield Utd
Ipswich
3
1
W
21/01/2026
Championship Championship
Southampton
Sheffield Utd
1
0
L
Last Results - Bristol City
07/02/2026
Championship Championship
Hull
Bristol City
2
3
W
30/01/2026
Championship Championship
Bristol City
Derby
0
5
L
24/01/2026
Championship Championship
Bristol City
Sheffield Wed
2
0
W
20/01/2026
Championship Championship
Ipswich
Bristol City
2
0
L
17/01/2026
Championship Championship
Oxford Utd
Bristol City
0
0
D
Where to watch Sheffield United vs Bristol City
This is a huge game as both sides look to build up good form early on. Here’s where to watch it:
- Location: Bramall Lane, Sheffield, UK, NG18 5DA
- Date and time: 3pm UK time, Saturday 9th August 2025
Probable lineups for Sheffield United vs Bristol City
This is an interesting game in terms of team selection. Both sides will undoubtedly put out their best sides, as they look to gel their squads for the new season. Here’s how we think they’ll line up.
Sheffield United
Line up: M Cooper, F Seriki, T Bindon, J Robinson, H Burrows, S Peck, O Arblaster, G Hamer, C O’Hare, L Barry, T Campbell
Injuries/suspensions: J Shackleton (injured)
Coach: Ruben Selles
Bristol City
Line up: M O’Leary, R McCrorie, R Dickie, Z Vyner, C Pring, J Knight, M Bird, M Sykes, S Twine, A Mehmeti, E Riis
Injuries/suspensions: L McNally (injured)
Coach: Gerhard Struber
Media centre – news about Sheffield United vs Bristol City
