Sheffield Utd vs Leicester Prediction & Betting Tips (1 January)

Sheffield United enter this Championship clash with a renewed sense of purpose after a turbulent but productive stretch over the past two months. Their dramatic 3–2 win away at Leicester, where Tom Cannon, Jairo Riedewald and Sydie Peck struck early to stun the hosts, has been one of the standout results of their recent campaignForza Football+2. That victory also lifted them out of the relegation zone, a significant psychological boost for Chris Wilder’s squad. Their December form has been mixed, with a heavy 5–3 loss on December 26 followed by a convincing 3–0 win on December 20 and a 1–1 draw on December 9OneFootball. These results show a team capable of both explosive attacking spells and occasional defensive lapses, making them unpredictable but dangerous.

Leicester City, meanwhile, have endured a frustrating run of inconsistency, highlighted by their defeat to Sheffield United in late November despite a spirited second‑half comeback led by Stephy Mavididi and Jordan JamesForza Football+2. Their December form guide reflects the same uneven pattern: a 1–2 loss on December 26, a 4–1 defeat on December 20, and a 3–1 win on December 13, mixed with a 2–2 draw on December 10 and a 3–1 win on December 6OneFootball. The Foxes have shown they can dominate possession and create chances, but their defensive structure has been vulnerable, especially early in matches. This inconsistency has kept them hovering mid‑table rather than pushing toward the automatic promotion places.

Both teams come into this fixture with plenty of storylines shaping the narrative. Sheffield United’s recent resurgence has been driven by young talents like Sydie Peck and the revitalized form of Tom Cannon, whose early goals have repeatedly set the tone in big matchesForza Football+1. Leicester, on the other hand, continue to rely on the creativity of Abdul Fatawu and the finishing of Mavididi, but their inability to control transitions has cost them points. With both sides having played high‑tempo, chance‑filled matches throughout December, this encounter promises intensity, tactical adjustments, and potentially another dramatic scoreline. The psychological edge may lean slightly toward Sheffield United after their recent head‑to‑head success, but Leicester’s home performances still make them a threat.

Taking all recent performances, squad momentum, and tactical tendencies into account, this matchup feels primed for another close contest. Sheffield United have shown they can strike early, while Leicester often grow into games and finish strongly, creating a dynamic clash of styles. With both teams producing goals in nearly every match over the past month, a narrow outcome seems likely. Our prediction stays firm at a 2–1 correct score, reflecting Sheffield United’s sharper recent edge while acknowledging Leicester’s ability to respond late in matches.

• Summary: Sheffield United is going head to head with Leicester City starting on 1 Jan 2026 at 17:30 UTC at Bramall Lane stadium, Sheffield city, England. The match is a part of the Championship .