Preview: Stoke City vs. Sheffield United - prediction, team news, lineups

Championship playoff hopefuls Sheffield United travel to Stoke City on Saturday afternoon as the race for the top six enters its final stretch.

The Blades are currently fifth in the table, two points ahead of seventh-placed Middlesbrough who have played one game less. The Potters sit 15th.

Match preview

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Since Paul Heckingbottom was appointed Sheffield United manager in November, no team in the Championship has picked up more points than the Blades (38).

However, the Yorkshire outfit are faltering for the first time under the 44-year-old, having won just two of their last six matches. They are also winless in their last four games away from home.

A 2-0 victory over Barnsley before the international break, courtesy of goals from Sander Berge and Morgan Gibbs-White, moved the Blades back into the top six and Heckingbottom will hope for no more slip ups as his side aim to secure a place in the end of season lottery.

With home games against Queens Park Rangers (eighth) and Bournemouth (second) to come over the next week, it is vital that Sheffield United give themselves a platform to build on at the bet365 Stadium.

The Blades came from behind and scored twice in the last 10 minutes as they won 2-1 in the reverse fixture at Bramall Lane earlier in the season. It was their first victory in four meetings with Stoke since 2007.

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The Potters were in the playoffs themselves on that October afternoon, but their top-six hopes are now all but over after a slump in form since the turn of the year.

A 2-0 win over Millwall before the international break was their first win in victory in nine matches; they have not claimed back-to-back wins since November 20.

Serious questions are being asked of Michael O'Neill and the future of the former Northern Ireland boss appears in doubt ahead of the summer.

While victory against Millwall a fortnight ago may have taken the pressure off him slightly, O'Neill will need to finish the campaign strongly to save his job.

Team News

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Stoke will still be without injured trio Harry Souttar, Nick Powell and Jaden Philogene-Bidace for this fixture.

After over three months on the sidelines with a groin problem, Abdallah Sima made his return to the matchday squad against Millwall before the international break so will be hoping to get some minutes.

Lewis Baker has netted seven goals in 14 appearances since signing from Chelsea in January and is already Stoke's second-highest scorer this season.

Sheffield United will be boosted by the return of George Baldock, who has missed the last five matches due to a knee issue.

Billy Sharp was forced off against Barnsley before the international break with a hamstring problem and is "touch and go" according to Paul Heckingbottom.

The Blades remain short on centre-backs with Chris Basham and Charlie Goode still out, while Ben Davies has returned to training.

Stoke City possible starting lineup:
Bonham; Harwood-Bellis, Jagielka, Moore, Tymon; Vrancic, Baker, Allen; Brown, Maja, Campbell

Sheffield United possible starting lineup:
Foderingham; Robinson, Gordon, Egan; Baldock, Hourihane, Norwood, Berge, Stevens; Gibbs-White, McBurnie

We say: Stoke City 1-2 Sheffield United

With Stoke having very little to play for, Sheffield United should be able to take control of this game and we think the Blades will be victorious. The international break will have provided the perfect opportunity for Paul Heckingbottom's side to recharge as they aim to secure a top-six spot.

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