Emil Riis will be key to ending miserable six-year record when Bristol City take on Sheffield United

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Bristol City are preparing to face Sheffield United in their opening game of the new Championship season.

Both sides will be looking to go one better than they did last season, with the pair failing to gain promotion after they reached the play-offs.

The pair have been busy in the transfer market this summer, with Bristol City beating other Championship sides to the signing of Emil Riis.

While the Blades have adopted a different recruitment policy, using an AI-assisted approach, which has led to the Blades uncovering some hidden gems from the likes of Bulgaria.

Now they will do battle in their opening fixture with Bristol City looking for revenge following their play-off semi-final defeat to Sheffield United.

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Emil Riis will be key to ending Bristol City’s miserable winless record

Sheffield United have been unbeaten against Bristol City across the last six years, remaining unbeaten in the last nine fixtures.

This has often been down to the resilient defence of the Blades, as they have conceded on just three occasions across these nine games.

The Danish striker was brought in by Bristol City to help the club in front of goal, and he can instantly become a fan favourite if he brings to an end this winless run against Sheffield United.

It won’t be easy away from home, but if there is any time to do it, then the opening day of the season is it.

Every time Bristol have managed to score against Sheffield United in this period, it has been a solitary goal in a game with the Blades managing to outscore them on seven occasions.

Bristol fans will expect Riis to start up front for them in the opening game, and he will be hoping to get off the mark quickly for his new side.

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Emil Riis’ goalscoring record

Riis has started to bloom over the last season, becoming more deadly in the Championship, as it took him time to grow into the role.

The Danish striker has scored a total of 46 goals for Preston North End across 186 appearances; however, it must be remembered that the Lilywhites were not the most expansive team, and those figures are impressive when that is considered.

Meanwhile, Riis knows how to score against Sheffield United, having scored twice in his career against them to this point, both coming in the same season, the 2021-22 campaign.