Sheffield Wed vs Sheffield Utd Prediction & Betting Tips (23 November)

The Steel City Derby between Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United arrives at a time when both clubs are facing significant challenges in the Championship. Wednesday have been engulfed in takeover drama, with administrators confirming multiple bids and even visits from potential investors, including a US billionaire. The club was placed into administration in late October, leading to a points deduction that has left them rooted to the bottom of the table. Despite financial turmoil, they have managed to secure the signing of veteran defender Liam Cooper to bolster their squad. Off-field uncertainty has not helped their performances, as Henrik Pedersen’s side continues to struggle for consistency, with fans hoping the derby can spark a revival.

On the pitch, Sheffield Wednesday’s recent matches highlight their difficulties. They suffered a 1–3 defeat away at Southampton, and before that endured losses against Oxford United and Middlesbrough. A heavy 0–5 defeat to Coventry City earlier in October underlined their defensive frailties, though they did manage a rare bright spot with a 2–0 win over Portsmouth. Draws against Birmingham City and Queens Park Rangers showed some resilience, but overall their record of just one win in their last nine league games paints a grim picture. With only 12 goals scored and 29 conceded so far this season, the Owls are desperate for a result to lift morale, especially against their fiercest rivals.

Sheffield United, meanwhile, are also battling at the wrong end of the table. Chris Wilder returned in September after Ruben Selles’ short-lived tenure, but results have remained mixed. The Blades recently signed Patrick Bamford on a short-term deal to address their lack of goals, having scored only 11 in 15 matches. Their recent fixtures include a 0–0 draw against Queens Park Rangers, a 3–1 loss at Coventry City, and a 1–3 home defeat to Derby County. Prior to that, they lost 3–2 at Preston but did manage wins against Blackburn and Watford. Defensive lapses have been costly, and Wilder has admitted frustration at missed opportunities. The derby is seen as a potential turning point, with United needing momentum to climb out of the relegation zone.

Given the form of both sides, this derby is likely to be a tense and cagey affair rather than a free-flowing spectacle. Wednesday’s off-field issues and poor defensive record suggest they may struggle to contain United’s attack, even if the Blades themselves have been wasteful in front of goal. Bamford’s arrival could provide a focal point, while Wilder’s experience in these fixtures may give United the edge. With both teams desperate for points, the match could be decided by a single moment of quality or a defensive lapse. The prediction here is a narrow away win, with Sheffield United edging it by a correct score of 0–1.