The excitement that is the Championship play-offs starts tonight with Sheffield United facing Bristol City in a two-legged semi-final.
It was final day drama for the Robins as whilst they fought back from 2-0 down to earn a point at home to Preston, they had to wait for confirmation of Blackburn’s draw away at Bramall Lane to celebrate securing a play-off spot.
Their reward is a showdown with a Blades side aiming to secure an instant return to the Premier League.
At one stage it appeared United were on course for automatic promotion, but a run of three consecutive defeats last month saw them ultimately miss out to Leeds and Burnley.
They must now dust themselves down from that disappointment, regain their composure to stay on track for a return to English football’s top light - beginning with this two-legged semi-final.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Bristol City vs Sheffield United is scheduled for an 8pm BST kick-off tonight, Thursday, May 8, 2025.
The first leg will take place at Ashton Gate.
Where to watch Bristol City vs Sheffield United
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on Sky Sports Football. Coverage starts at 7pm BST ahead of an 8pm kick-off.
Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Sky Go app.
Bristol City vs Sheffield United team news
Bristol City suffered no fresh injury setbacks against Preston but Luke Mcnally and Mark Sykes will miss the entire play-off programme. Cameron Pring is also out after missing the final games of the regular season with a hamstring complaint.
Chris Wilder’s team selection against Blackburn showed he had one eye on the play-offs as he rested goalkeeper Michael Cooper, handed a rare start to Alfie Gilchrist and gave minutes to Tom Davies following injury.
It is likely that Cooper will return to the starting line-up alongside the likes of Harrison Burrows, Jack Robinson and Tyrese Campbell.
Bristol City vs Sheffield United prediction
Bristol City will hope the form book goes out the window in the play-offs as they finished regular season with back-to-back losses. Momentum is important, though the Blades have hardly pulled up any trees of late.
The first leg has a score draw written all over it which sets up next week’s decider nicely.
1-1 draw
Head to head (h2h) history and results
The Blades are unbeaten in their last seven meetings against Bristol City and only a last gasp equaliser at Bramall Lane in March stopped them from recording a league double this season.
Bristol City wins: 10
Sheffield United wins: 21
Draws: 6
Bristol City vs Sheffield United odds
Bristol City to win: 15/8
Sheffield United to win: 7/5
Draw: 6/4
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
