Sheffield United host Championship rivals Nottingham Forest in a crucial match on Saturday. The Blades are three points back of the final playoff place and a win will keep them within touching distance of sixth place Middlesbrough.
Bramall Lane has been cozy for Sheffield United this term as the team has secured 35 of 54 points from home. The Blades are +13 at home and have given up the sixth fewest goals in the Championship when playing at Bramall Lane.
The Blades are coming off of a midweek home win over Burton; however, he team's form has been hot and cold in recent weeks. In their last 12 matches – a run that dates back to January 1 – Sheffield United have won just five times. It is that inconsistency that has seen the Blades outside the playoff places during the last eight matchdays.
heffield United have a lot of pressure on their shoulders, but Nottingham Forest are ideal opponents for the weekend. After a rocky start under Aitor Karanka, Forest have improved their results gradually. However, the team has won just three times since Karanka took over on January 8. Forest are in no real danger of relegation, nor are the Reds a threat to make the promotion playoffs. The good news heading to Bramall Lane is Forest won the reverse fixture, 2-1, in September.
Forest are a possession-based team. The side keep 52.8% of the ball each game, which is fifth best in the Championship. The team's ability to turn possession into goals has been lacking, however. Forest have scored just 43 goals this term, which puts them in the lower half of the table in terms of scoring. The side is –11 in goals.
Leading goal scorer Kieran Dowell has had a breakout season. The 20-year-old has tallied nine goals and four assists this term. However, the attacking midfielder hasn't scored or created a goal in his last nine matches. Dowell's time on the pitch has also decreased during his poor run of form. Dowell hasn't completed a full 90 minutes since early February when Forest lost to Hull, 2-0.
Sheffield United's Billy Sharp is a key player for the team. The striker has scored two goals in his last four matches and is the team's second leading scorer. The Blades will hope Sharp can add to his 12-goal haul with leading scorer Leon Clarke hitting a dry spell. Sheffield United will need Sharp to find the back of the net or add an assist to ensure they reach the playoff places.
Sheffield United will keep their hopes of a playoff place alive. The team will beat the inconsistent Nottingham Forest on Saturday and continue their march for the postseason.