Stats point to an obvious winner between Middlesbrough and Sheffield United in the Championship this weekend

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Middlesbrough and Sheffield United are set to do battle in the Championship this weekend, with the two sides entering the game in contrasting form.

The Blades are yet to taste victory this season under Ruben Selles, and the new manager is feeling the pressure, as there have already been calls from some fans to remove him from his position.

Meanwhile, Rob Edwards is enjoying life at the Riverside with his new club, as Middlesbrough have enjoyed their best start to a campaign in 31 years.

Form would suggest that there is only one winner, and that would be in the shape of Middlesbrough; however, do the stats and historic results point to that too?

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Stats point to a Middlesbrough victory over Sheffield United

Opta has the teams even in the likelihood of them securing a victory over each other, with both clubs being given a win percentage of 36.9%, although game history indicates Middlesbrough will come out on top.

The Teesside club have not lost at home to Sheffield United in their last eight league fixtures at the Riverside, winning six and drawing two, with their last loss in the northeast to the Blades coming in October 1997.

Middlesbrough will also believe this is the perfect time to bring to an end their current poor run against Yorkshire teams, having lost their last three fixtures against sides from this area.

Should Sheffield United lose this fixture to Middlesbrough this weekend, it will also mean that they have equalled their worst start to a Championship season in 30 years, losing four straight league games.

The Blades will look to hold onto the hope that their record under the referee is strong and that they beat Middlesbrough in their last game in February of last season.

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Different-looking Middlesbrough and Sheffield United

The two clubs have completely changed since the last time they faced off against each other in February 2025, when the Blades emerged 3-1 winners.

It is easy to mention the managerial changes at both clubs, as Rob Edwards replaced Michael Carrick at Middlesbrough and Ruben Selles came in for Chris Wilder at Sheffield United.

However, it must be said that the squads have changed too, and it looks set that they could continue to evolve before kick off on Saturday.

Finn Azaz has agreed to leave Middlesbrough for Southampton, while Sheffield United are still chasing several additions to turn their season around.