There is plenty of action in the Championship on Good Friday and one of the standout fixtures is between Brentford and Sheffield United at Griffin Park.
The playoffs are probably just out of reach now for Brentford and they find themselves in 11th place in the Championship, with 54 points from thirty-eight games played. The Bees are in no danger of relegation and will be looking to end the season strongly.
Sheffield United have real hopes of making the playoffs this season and start this match just 2 points adrift of the playoff places. With Preston North End and Bristol City also hoping to force their way into the picture, a win in this game is vital.
Brentford were hoping to be involved in the playoffs this season but a poor run of form recently has seen them drop out of contention. Brentford have won only one of their last five Championship games, which was away to Burton Albion on the 6th March.
Trends show Brentford have failed to win in their last three attempts, losing at Millwall, at home to Cardiff City and being held at home by Middlesbrough last time out.
The Bees have been very inconsistent at home, winning only two of their last seven Championship games at Griffin Park. This is in stark contrast to their form earlier in the season, when Brentford were flying on home soil.
Under 2.5 goals have been scored in six of Brentford’s last eight home matches in all competitions.
Sheffield United travel south to Brentford having been held to a 0-0 draw at home by Nottingham Forest in their last match. That result means it is three games unbeaten for Sheffield United in the Championship, having picked up a point at Ipswich Town and a win over Burton Albion at Bramall Lane.
The Blades have lost just one of their last five Championship games and this run of form has seen them emerge as realistic contenders for a playoff place. However, wins have been difficult to come by away from home and Sheffield United have won two of their last ten Championship games on the road.
Their most recent away win came at Reading on the 27th February but since then Sheffield United have lost 3-0 at Fulham and been held by Ipswich Town.
Trends show Sheffield United have been tough to break down in recent weeks and they have kept a clean sheet in each of their last three league games.
Team news and Andreas Bjelland could make a return to the Brentford squad following an Achilles injury. Romaine Sawyers will miss the game due to suspension and this will leave a place open in the Brentford midfield.
Sheffield United have no new injury concerns but Paul Coutts remains on the treatment table having broken his tibia in November.
This could be a tight game, with under 2.5 goals scored and despite Brentford’s recent struggles, Sheffield United’s away form doesn’t suggest they can pick up maximum points and we could see a draw.