Sheffield United vs. Everton Betting Tips: Cards on the menu at Bramall Lane

Sheffield United welcome Everton to Bramall Lane in Saturday’s early kick-off. Both are desperate to get points on the board and it makes for a mouthwatering clash even though we are in the very early stages of the season. Scott Thornton is on hand to preview the action and provide us with his best bets. 

These sides have made disastrous starts to their Premier League campaigns. They have suffered defeats in all of their matches and there is much cause for concern surrounding the clubs.

Sheffield United were dumped out of the EFL Cup in their last match. They had 72% possession against Lincoln but were unable to create anything of real significance before losing a penalty shootout.

Everton were fortunate to beat Doncaster in the EFL Cup midweek. They had several starters on the pitch but were second-best for large periods of the match. Doncaster sit last in League Two at this stage; the very bottom of the football league pyramid. The Toffees were unable to control the game and pressure will build on Sean Dyche if things don’t improve.

Both of these sides lack an out-and-out goal scorer and it is an issue that looks set to plague them as this season progresses.  Sheffield United sold Iliman Ndiaye to Marseille just before the start of the season and nobody has emerged as a contender to replace his goals thus far.

The Blades have been beaten by Manchester City, Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace in their opening three matches. They would have expected to struggle at home to Pep Guardiola’s side but their opener at Bramall Lane against Crystal Palace saw them have just 32% possession and one shot on target.

Everton have had troubles of their own. They’ve had plenty of attempts in both of their home matches so far but their forwards haven’t been clinical enough.

Sheffield United kept Manchester City at bay for periods of the game by taking an overly physical approach. Erliing Halaand was harassed on numerous occasions and the Blades were fortunate to give away just the one penalty. They picked up four cards in that game and have had three yellow cards in their other two Premier League matches so far.

Everton matches have also been card-friendly. There has been seven cards in their last two matches in the league. They forced three yellow cards from Aston Villa despite Emery’s side securing a 4-0 win in their last away game.  They had four cards on their last visit to this ground. The blades had two in that fixture.

Andrew Madley has refereed two Premier League games so far this season and has handed out the most cards in the league.

Both of these sides will also have to rely on set pieces to create scoring opportunities. They have struggled from open play so far but have shown they can be a threat from dead balls. Everton’s matches so far have seen an average of 11.33 corners per game. Sheffield United’s have seen 12.

For my longshot bet, I’m backing the same angles as the main bet with increased lines.

Andrew Madley handed out 10 yellow cards and a red card in his last Premier League match. His only other league match saw both Newcastle and Aston Villa pick up four cards.

Over 10 corners in the match has landed in four of the six league matches these sides have played this season.