The Blades are back in the big time after a two-season absence and, after finishing second in the Championship, will need to get off to a good start against the Eagles with the season ahead looking as tough as ever.
Palace are without Wilfried Zaha after a protracted exit on a free transfer, finally leaving to join Galatasaray, but will now
look to new shining star Eberechi Eze to continue his fine form under Roy Hodgson, who is sticking around as manager for another season.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Sheffield United vs Crystal Palace is scheduled for a 3pm BST kick-off today, Saturday, August 12, 2023.
The match will take place at Bramall Lane.
Where to watch Sheffield United vs Crystal Palace
TV channel: In the UK, the game will not be televised live due to the Saturday 3pm blackout.
Highlights: The BBC’s flagship highlights show ‘Match of the Day’ will be broadcast from 10.20pm BST on Saturday evening, featuring highlights from every match that day.
Sheffield United vs Crystal Palace team news
Paul Heckingbottom has admitted that United’s considerable injury issues have not eased ahead of the game. New signing Vinicius Souza is set to be thrown in at the deep end.
With Oli Norwood, Daniel Jebbison, Oli McBurnie, John Fleck, Rhian Brewster, Ismaila Coulibaly, Jayden Bogle and Rhys Norrington-Davies all out, he said: “Everyone is further on but not many will be near fit for this weekend.”
Palace will have to wait to hand new signing Matheus Franca his debut as he arrived carrying an injury. Michael Olise will also be absent, likely until late September, after picking up an injury while with France Under-21s.
Tyrick Mitchell could feature, while Will Hughes is also out meaning Jefferson Lerma will likely start.
Sheffield United vs Crystal Palace prediction
Sheffield United impressed last season but have done little to strengthen the squad so far over the summer, while Crystal Palace are – by Hodgson’s own admission – a weaker team than the one he was able to field following his return.
The Blades will live and die by their home form, and this could be an early warning sign of things to come.
Palace to win, 1-0.
/ Getty Images
Head to head (h2h) history and results
Sheffield United wins: 22
Draws: 12
Crystal Palace wins: 23
Sheffield United vs Crystal Palace match odds
Sheffield United: 21/10
Draw: 21/10
Crystal Palace: 29/10
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
Another interesting game on Saturday in the Premier League as recently promoted Sheffield United host Crystal Palace at Bramall Lane.
Both sides are tipped to struggle, so they will be looking for a bright start. Read tips and predictions for Sheffield United vs. Crystal Palace below.
Correct Score Prediction
It’s an important match with Sheffield United returning to the big time after a two-year absence. Newly-promoted sides often perform well in their opening home matches in the top flight. That may well be the same here.
It’s a good first fixture for them. Crystal Palace have endured a difficult summer, losing talismanic forward Wilfried Zaha already and some top sides circling around their next most effective attacker, Michael Olise.
They will surely struggle to continue that excellent run of form displayed under Roy Hodgson at the tail end of last season.
Score Prediction: Sheffield United 1-0 Crystal Palace
1×2 Predictions
We’re backing the hosts to get the job done in the Premier League. The Blades have had a troubled summer so far but that home crowd at Bramall Lane on matchday 1 is just too important to ignore.
Sheffield United (1) to win
Draw No Bet Predictions
Sheffield United also carry the value in the draw-no-bet market. This may be the best approach if you’re looking to back the Blades to get something out of this game as they are an unknown quantity.
If Sheffield win, the bet wins but if the sides draw, the stakes are returned. The draw no bet is a bit more conservative than a 1×2.
Sheffield United draw no bet
BTTS Predictions
At least one side will struggle to find the back of the net in this game. The pick here is to go for no on BTTS or GG.
Crystal Palace struggled on the road in the Premier League last season. Goals were the problem with the Eagles failing to find the net in 47% of their away games.
GG- NO
Our Analysis of the Sheffield United vs Crystal Palace Match
Sheffield United head into this fixture after securing 2nd place in the EFL Championship last season. Paul Heckingbottom’s side are many people’s favourites for instant relegation, so it is important his side get off to a strong start in front of their own fans.
Oliver Norwood, Iliman Ndiaye, James McAtee, Tommy Doyle, and Sander Berge were the Blades’ three most creative players last year, but only Norwood remains at the club.
They have made some interesting signings. Austin Trusty signs from Arsenal to improve the defence. Anis Slimani and Vini Souza join from Brondby and Lomell respectively to improve the midfield. Ivorian striker Benie Traore strengthens the attack after swapping Hacken for Sheffield.
With the departure of so many key players and the need to integrate quite a few signings, the experience and know-how of Oli Norwood are key. The 32-year-old has been at the Blades since 2019, and Paul Heckingbottom will be relying on him to conduct the midfield.
Crystal Palace have also had a distressing summer, with star player and club legend Wilfried Zaha leaving. Michael Olise has also been linked with moving away and starting the season injured.
Roy Hodgson is a steady pair of hands, but he has a big task on his hands: getting a depleted Eagles team to safety. Eberechie Eze will be key for Crystal Palace, with the 25-year-old boasting 14 goal contributions last season.
Jefferson Lerma has signed on a free transfer from Bournemouth. The tough-tackling midfielder will form a terrific midfield partnership with the creative Eze and the powerful Malian Cheick Doucoure.
Despite their strength in midfield, Palace looks light up front. Jean-Philippe Mateta, Odsonne Edouard, and Jordan Ayew are the likely front three. The trio struggled in front of goal last season, only scoring 11 goals between them.
These two sides are hard to split over the last eight heads-to-heads. Sheffield United have won four, as have Crystal Palace. Another tight game is my prediction for this one.
Top Scorers Predictions for Sheffield United vs Crystal Palace
Bennie Traore’s 12 goals in 14 games for Hacken in Sweden were enough to convince Sheffield United to sign him. The 20-year-old Ivorian is an impressive talent, and it is only a matter of time before he gets a call-up to the Ivory Coast senior team.
The odds of him scoring on BetKing and other betting sites at 5/2 provide nice value.
Blades to Upstage Eagles on Premier League Return
Crystal Palace are the 6/4 favourites, which makes sense based on last season’s 11th placed finish in the Premier League. Roy Hodgson came in and oversaw a tremendous run of form towards the end of season.
However, Sheffield United looked comfortable in promotion. The Blades gained 51 points from 23 home games, while scoring more than two a game. Backed by a passionate, sold out crowd, I am happy to back them for the win.
Last results of the teams
Sheffield United last 4 results
- Birmingham 1-2 Sheffield United
- Huddersfield 1-0 Sheffield United
- Sheffield United 4-1 Preston
- Sheffield United 2-0 West Brom
Crystal Palace last 4 results:
- Crystal Palace 1-1 Nottingham Forest
- Fulham 2-2 Crystal Palace
- Crystal Palace 2-0 Bournemouth
- Tottenham 1-0 Crystal Palace
Sheffield United vs Crystal Palace Odds
Odds from BetKing
- Sheffield United (1)- 2/1
- Draw (X)- 9/4
- Crystal Palace (2)- 6/4
