class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>With a strong and settled squad to choose from, Al Hain-Cole is backing Jokanovic to oversee a debut win over a new-look Blues side at Bramall Lane
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Sheffield United will be hoping to begin the new Championship season on a high when they welcome Birmingham City to Bramall Lane on Saturday.
The Blades endured a miserable second season in the Premier League, finishing rock bottom of the league after failing to win any of their first 17 fixtures.
Sheffield United vs Birmingham latest odds
However, Sheff Utd are priced at 3/4 (1.75) with bet365 to go some way to putting that behind them by getting the new campaign off to a winning start.
Having overseen five wins in 10 matches to steer the side clear of a relegation battle after replacing Aitor Karanka in March, Lee Bowyer is priced at 4/1 (5.00) to begin this campaign with Birmingham on the front foot with an impressive away victory.
Three of the last four meetings between this duo have resulted in draws, and you can get odds of 5/2 (3.50) on them cancelling each other out yet again.
TV channel, live stream & how to watch
Sky Sports Football/Sky Sports Main Event Sky Go
The game is being shown live on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event in the United Kingdom (UK). Sky Go will be streaming the game live online.
Sheffield United vs Birmingham team news
Enda Stevens will not be involved as he struggles with injury, although Billy Sharp and Oli McBurnie are available after returning to training.
Neil Etheridge is unlikely to feature despite returning to training this week, while Dion Sanderson and Ivan Sunjic are both ruled out, and Marc Roberts is facing a late fitness test after coming off in the closing stages of last weekend’s defeat to West Brom.
Sheffield United vs Birmingham preview
With their team having looked doomed to relegation before Christmas last season, the returning supporters will be determined to bring some much-needed optimism back to the stadium on Saturday.
Having led both Watford and Fulham to promotion from this division in the past, new manager Slavisa Jokanovic will be confident of delivering some cheer with a settled squad that looks extremely well equipped for this level.
In contrast, Blues have endured a rather tumultuous summer of comings-and-goings, with seven loan and free transfer signings hoping to make their debut in South Yorkshire.
Sheffield United vs Birmingham tips & predictions
Thrashed 4-0 by West Brom in their final pre-season friendly, odds of 3/4 (1.75) look like decent value on this new-look Birmingham outfit coming unstuck against a strong Sheffield United team.
All odds correct at time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.