Leeds vs Sheffield United Prediction, Odds and Betting Tips: 9/1 Bet Builder at Elland Road

A tasty Yorkshire duel awaits us at Elland Road on Friday night when Championship promotion rivals Leeds and Sheffield United draw swords at 8pm in front of the Sky Sports cameras.

The Blades, 2nd on goal difference behind leaders Sunderland, remain the only unbeaten club in the second-tier, a record that will be put to the test away to Leeds who are three points behind in 5th.

This is set up to be a compelling and competitive clash as the old foes each prepare to make a statement of intent on Friday night.

Sheffield United have shaken off the shackles of a bitterly disappointing 2023/24 season to lay down an early marker back in the Championship, a league from which they have secured promotion in two of their last three seasons outside the Premier League.

Chris Wilder, who has lost just one of his five meetings with Daniel Farke, memorably propelled the Blades back into the big time in 2018/19 and has since steered his team to an impressive nine-match unbeaten start this term, winning five of the last six without even conceding a goal in another of those half-a-dozen games.

Facing Leeds at Elland Road is always a tricky fixture, whatever the season, but Wilder's side motor up the M1 with an extra incentive on Friday night as a draw or a win will fire them into the outright lead at the top of the table. This motive, combined with that unbeaten start, their incredible defensive record and Leeds' injury problems, positions the visitors as a strong option at 17/20 in the double-chance market.

For my longer odds fancy, I've opted for Under 2.5 Goals, Gustavo Hamer to have Over 0.5 Shots On Target, and Anel Ahmedhodzic to be Carded in a 9/1 Bet Builder with BetMGM.

Sheff Utd's matches have averaged 1.33 goals per game so far this season. Eight of their nine games have gone under 2.5 goals, including each of the last seven and all four away games. They boast a superb defensive record, conceding just three goals so far. Meanwhile, six of Leeds' nine fixtures have contained two goals or fewer.

Gustavo Hamer caught the attention of Leeds in the summer but remained a Blade and has gone on to score four times in nine league games. He's averaging 2.9 shots per game and has had a shot on target in seven on his nine games.

As for Hamer's teammate Anel Ahmedhodzic, the centre-back has already picked up four yellows in eight games this season, entering the referee's book in three of his last four. He has 51 yellows in 198 professional matches during his career and accumulated nine yellows and a red in 31 Premier League games last term.

Leeds vs Sheff Utd Head-To-Head Record

Leeds have won 32 of the 84 meetings between the clubs. Sheff Utd have claimed 29 wins, with 23 draws. Leeds won both meetings in the Premier League during the 2020/21 season, but the Blades were victorious in their last Championship encounter.

Leeds vs Sheffield United Premium Picks & Golden Combos

• 49/20 - Leeds Win & Over 2.5 Goals
• 45/1 - Sheff Utd Win, Moore Over 1.5 SOT, Hamer To Score, BTTS
• 66/1 - Leeds Win, BTTS, Ramazani Over 1.5 SOT, Moore Over 1.5 SOT, Over 10.5 Corners