Thursday night marks the start of the Championship play-offs as Sheffield United travel to Ashton Gate in search of a step towards making an immediate return to the Premier League.
Hosts Bristol City stand in their way on their own journey to their first appearance in the top flight since 1980 and their first ever in the Premier League.
Our tipster and EFL guru James O’Rourke is all over this one and he has four picks in mind. Let’s get into his Bristol City v Sheffield United betting tips.
Bristol City v Sheffield United Bet Builder tips
Draw
George Earthy to be fouled 1+ times
Gustavo Hamer to have 1+ shots on target
Bristol City goalkeeper to make 2+ saves
WHEN: Thursday, 8th of May, 8pm
WHERE: Ashton Gate, Bristol
TV: Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football
Draw
The play-offs are here, meaning clubs like Bristol City and Sheffield United are potentially only a few games away from the Premier League. That prospect seems a lifetime away, knowing two high-pressure semi-final games have to be negotiated.
The hosts don’t have as much pressure on them, considering The Blades were always expected to battle for promotion, but that won’t make it any less nervy for them.
Ultimately, City are not used to these kinds of occasions and it will be fascinating to see exactly how they approach it.
I’m one to subscribe to the notion of form not counting a great deal heading into the play-offs. They have, however, certainly been a little edgy as the final league matches played out. Remember, if it wasn’t for Blackburn not winning their final game, Bristol City would not have finished in the top six.
I don’t think this is necessarily a must-win game for Bristol City, as I think they’d back themselves to get a result at Bramall Lane if they had to. Therefore, could they adopt more of a must-not-lose approach?
In a way, they could, whilst still, of course, trying to win. If the match is level with ten minutes to go, don’t expect them to throw the kitchen sink at getting a winner.
Chris Wilder’s side would be more than content with a draw here ahead of the return leg.
They too haven’t been in the greatest of form and there will still be a lingering disappointment having not achieved automatic promotion. All of the pressure really is on them and they will feel the weight of that expectation in the build-up to Thursday’s clash.
George Earthy to be fouled 1+ times
The West Ham loanee has been in and out of the Robins’ starting eleven the last few games, but I have no doubt he will be restored to one of the attacking midfielder roles. Liam Manning will surely need his legs and energy for their opening play-off fixture.
Although he doesn’t necessarily contribute a great deal in terms of goals, he is very much a team player. Therefore, he won’t catch too many headlines, but his teammates and manager will greatly appreciate his impact.
He has also proved more than handy at winning free kicks. His ability to carry the ball means he can quickly turn defence into attack for Bristol City, which in turn will set the opposition ranks in panic.
The 20-year-old has been fouled in each of the previous four games where he has started (five in total). This includes twice against league champions Leeds and also fellow play-off team Sunderland.
Naturally, the home side will have their moments in and around the final third in this contest. Earthy can be expected to have a substantial role in and out of possession.
Gustavo Hamer to have 1+ shots on target
If Sheffield United are to come through these play-off semi-final ties, there is a big chance Gustavo Hamer will be a major reason why.
The Championship Player of the Season has enjoyed an excellent campaign, which can be upgraded considering he has spent the vast majority of it as a makeshift free-role left winger.
Simply getting him in possession within a realistic distance of the opposing goal will light up his eyes and instil some fear in the Bristol City back line.
The former Coventry City man is no stranger to firing shots away on goal and won’t need any second invitation to do so. In each of his last three appearances, he has recorded at least two shots, meaning he has done exactly that on 26 occasions across the campaign in all competitions.
Considering he played 43 times for The Blades in 2024/25, this means he recorded two or more shots in just over 60% of his matches. Undoubtedly, he is one for Bristol City to keep a very, very close eye on.
Hamer has had his minutes managed in recent games since Wilder’s side were confirmed as being in the play-offs. This was purely to ensure he was right for these ties, knowing how important he really is to any success they may have.
Therefore, there should be a real freshness about him, and he’ll be eager to make a big impression. The midfielder is a big game player and will thrive on occasions such as this.
Bristol City goalkeeper to make 2+ saves
Robins keeper Max O’Leary has been ever-present in the side all season, which highlights how key he really is in the eyes of Liam Manning. Even when he was a big injury doubt a few weeks ago against QPR, this did not stop him from lining up for the team.
He, too, has been a big reason for their rather unexpected success this season in reaching the play-offs. The Bath-born shot-stopper has achieved a 69.2% save success rate in league action across the campaign, which is ranked within the top half of all clubs.
It is also a top-half record with the number of shots on target he has had to face, so he has been well-worked despite playing for a team where only five other clubs have claimed more Championship points.
Only in one of his last ten matches has the 28-year-old not made a minimum of two saves. Since Bristol City are unfamiliar with these types of occasions, there are likely to be some nerves, so Sheffield United will enjoy their periods of dominance and control.
Surely the visitors can force at least two saves out of O’Leary, especially as they are ultimately the stronger of the two teams. Being the away side may suit United here as they won’t have a large, demanding home crowd on their backs, meaning O’Leary could have a relatively busy evening.
Bristol City v Sheffield United Bet Builder tips
Draw
George Earthy to be fouled 1+ times
Gustavo Hamer to have 1+ shots on target
Bristol City goalkeeper to make 2+ saves
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
READ MORE
The latest football odds are on PaddyPower.com now
THE PADDY POWER GUIDE TO SAFER GAMBLING – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
