FA Cup: Sheffield United vs. Cardiff Odds, Preview, and Picks (Jan 9)
An intriguing all-Championship affair is set for the third round of the FA Cup on Thursday, as Sheffield United welcome Cardiff to Bramall Lane. The Blades will be hoping to continue their excellent domestic form in Yorkshire this week, but Chris Wilder could rest a number of first-team players with important matches in the promotion race coming up over the next few weeks.
How To Watch
- When: Thursday, January 9, 2025, at 2:00 PM ET
- Where: Bramall Lane, Sheffield, England
- How To Watch: ESPN
Odds
| Match Result | Odds |
|---|---|
| Sheffield United | -120 |
| Draw | +270 |
| Cardiff | +300 |
Match Preview
The main aim for Sheffield United this season is a return to the Premier League. Therefore, any potential run in the FA Cup will be a bonus, as the Blades prepare to face Cardiff on Thursday. Sheffield United currently sit third in the Championship standings, and they come into this match after winning just once in their last four matches.
It has been a difficult season in the second tier for Cardiff this term, and their stay in the Championship looks under increasing threat. The Blue Birds come into this week sitting 23rd in the overall standings, and they have won just five of their 25 matches this term. Cardiff have also won just once in their last five matches.
READ More: Premier League: Man City vs. West Ham Odds, Preview, and Picks (Jan 4)
Cardiff and Sheffield United will be meeting in the FA Cup for the fifth time, with the Blades winning three of the previous encounters. That includes the famous meeting between the sides in the 1925 final. The Blades have also won each of their last two home matches against Cardiff across all competitions.
Sheffield United have gained progression in each of their last six ties against teams from the same division since a loss against Norwich in 1997. Meanwhile, Cardiff have suffered defeats in each of their last four away matches in the FA Cup. Across that period, the Blue Birds have conceded at least three goals in each of the last three. Their most recent away win in the FA Cup was achieved at Carlisle United in 2019-20.
Sheffield United vs. Cardiff Picks
Sheffield United hold very obvious claims for this FA Cup showdown based on the league records of both sides this season. Their chances are also enhanced based on their excellent record against teams from the same division in the competition.
Free Pick:
- Sheffield United
