Middlesbrough have won their opening three Championship games by an aggregate score of 6-1
Sheffield United have lost their first three league matches
Recommended bet: Middlesbrough to win to nil
Middlesbrough have made a superb start to their Championship campaign with three successive wins over Swansea, Millwall and Norwich City to sit joint top of the table early on.
Rob Edwards' team have hit six goals so far this season, conceding just one, as the former Luton Town manager looks to mount a promotion push in his first full season in charge of Boro.
Sheffield United were expected to be among the title contenders but things have not gone to plan so far this season with three defeats in the league, while they also exited the EFL Cup, going out to Birmingham.
The Blades put in an improved display last time out against Millwall when losing 1-0 at home, but will need to up their level once more if they want to take anything from the trip to the Riverside this weekend.
The latest Middlesbrough vs Sheffield United odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Team News
Middlesbrough defender Darragh Lenihan missed the whole of last season through injury and the opening three games of this campaign but could be involved in the squad for this clash. After such a long absence it is unlikely Edwards will throw him straight into the starting XI and a place on the bench is a more realistic option.
Riley McGree is still not in contention for Boro but long term absentee Sen Dieng is back available should Edwards wish to recall the goalkeeper.
Meanwhile, Ruben Selles is hoping to bring in former Tottenham defender Japhet Tanganga this week and the defender could go straight into the starting line-up for the Blades.
Selles is expected to still be without Jamie Shackleton, Ollie Arblaster and Tom Davies for this clash with the trio not due back from injury until early September
New signing Ben Godfrey made his Blades debut against Millwall and the former Everton and England defender should keep his position in the team this weekend.
Danny Ings has been confirmed as United’s newest recruit and the experienced striker is in line for an immediate start.
The stats
The head-to-head record between the pair has been even of late with Sheffield United winning four, Boro winning five and one draw over the past 10 meetings.
However, results have tended to favour the home side with Boro winning five and drawing one of the last six clashes at the Riverside Stadium.
Edwards’ team head into Saturday's game with a 100% winning record in the league, while the Blades have lost all three of their Championship matches.
The goals have been shared around for Boro with no player scoring more than once in the league.
Tommy Conway and Finn Azaz were both on the scoresheet during the 2-1 win over Norwich last time out.
Sheffield United have been blunt in front of goal this term, netting just once in the league in three matches.
Tyrese Campbell grabbed that goal on the opening weekend of the season in a 4-1 reverse at home to Bristol City.
Prediction
Sheffield United’s start to the season is a major cause of concern for Blades fans, and a trip to in-form Middlesbrough is unlikely to ease their worries.
Boro have been in superb form at the start of the campaign and should have too much for their visitors on Saturday.
Edwards’ team have kept three clean sheets in four matches in all competitions this season, and combining that with the bluntness of the Blades' attack suggests a comfortable home win to nil is on the cards.
Back Middlesbrough to win to nil at 23/10 with LiveScore Bet
