Sheffield United Looking to Earn First Points Of Season At Middlesbrough As They Snap Up Boro Target

Middlesbrough have started the season in commanding fashion, sitting second in the table and only behind Stoke City on goal difference. Their numbers thus far suggest that Rob Edwards’ men have been clinical in the final third and tight at the back.

They’ve created an expected goals tally of three in the league, but have managed to net six, making them the third-highest overperforming team in this metric (which suggests they’ve either been getting good fortune and/or had some success with long distance strikes).

Defensively, they’ve given up the second-lowest amount of quality chances in the Championship and have only conceded once, highlighting their solid structure under Edwards.

Sheffield United, who are at the foot of the table by contrast, have just a single goal to show for an expected goals total of 4.18 – they’re the second-most underperforming team in this metric with only Southampton being worse. At the other end of the pitch, the Blades have given up over four xG, allowing their opponents to average a conversion rate of over 15% – making them the third-worst team in the division in this particular metric.

Stats taken from Opta.

Early Team News

Boro have received a boost with captain Darragh Lenihan edging closer to a return after missing the entirety of last season. Edwards confirmed last week that the defender has resumed training, though this fixture may come too soon. Riley McGree is also on the mend but will not be rushed back into action, per Gazzette Live.

The hosts do have fresh reinforcement, however, with left-back Matt Targett joining on loan from Newcastle United, adding a proven Premier League full-back to their already solid defensive unit.

For United, Tom Davies, Jamie Shackleton and Oliver Arblaster will all likely be available after the upcoming international break. Meanwhile, all eyes will be on new signing Danny Ings to see if he makes the bench, or potentially even comes straight into the starting eleven with Tyrese Campbell to improve the firepower.