Sheffield United vs. Nottingham Forest Predictions: The 3/1 value bet in the to be carded betting

The Championship Play-Offs Semi Finals sees Sheffield United host Nottingham Forest at Bramall Lane on Saturday afternoon, the home side finished the season in fifth whilst Steve Cooper’s men ended the season in fourth spot.

Forest have been the best team this calendar year in the division, they were victorious in 14 games from 21 home and away but at home they were nothing short of outstanding. The City Ground became a fortress for Forest, which saw them win nine and draw just once in ten matches since the turn of the year. 

Paul Heckingbottom’s side won their last three Championship fixtures which included hitting four past champions Fulham on the final day. Sheffield United had the best defensive record at home this season, they conceded just 15 times in 23 matches across the entire season and will want to use that to their advantage in this opening leg. 

Paul Heckingbottom’s side won their last three Championship fixtures which included hitting four past champions Fulham on the final day. Sheffield United had the best defensive record at home this season, they conceded just 15 times in 23 matches across the entire season and will want to use that to their advantage in this opening leg. 

Neither team got the better of the other this season as both games finished one a piece, Forest left in very late to salvage a point at Bramall Lane in March as Ryan Yates’ 95th minute equaliser meant the points were shared on the day.

With a huge amount at stake I can’t see this clash being to entertaining, neither side will want to lose but Steve Cooper will be the happier of the two coaches to come away with the tie level as his side have been performing extremely well in front of the home fans. 

The goal line is set reasonably short which is understandable given the nature of the game and I’m happy to get onside unders in the goal market which will be the first part of my bet builder. 

Over the course of the season games at Bramall Lane averaged 2.30 goals per 90 which saw 4 or more goals scored in 5 matches from 23. The averages are even shorter for Forest when they play on the road, just 48 goals have been scored in 23 matches averaging 2.09 per match with four or less goals arriving in 20 games from 23. 

Its difficult to turn down the option of combining cards to the bet builder for my main selection given the importance of the tie. Sheffield United  received a card after the break in 70% of matches at home in the Championship season with Forest being cautioned in 65% of away trips in the second half.

When either team played against the sides who finished in the top nine at home and away respectively both Sheffield United and Nottingham Forest were booked after the break on six occasions from eight in total.

There’s one player in particular that I’m focusing on in the individual card market and that's John Fleck, the 30 year-old Scotsman has has been booked 10 times in 31 appearances this season but five of those bookings have been awarded in his last six matches.

The central midfielder is available at 3/1 for a booking on Saturday afternoon which is something that I’m willing to get behind as my second selection in this huge clash.

Fleck has already been booked against Forest whilst playing for Sheffield United in his career and with him being a familiar name in the referee’s book in recent weeks I’m hoping the man in charge will have no choice but to award him with a caution once again.