Sheffield United v Portsmouth: Visitors to play up again

Michael Appleton's handling of chaos at Pompey has been praised

Michael Lintorn expects Portsmouth to ruin Sheffield United's plans to pull level with leaders Tranmere...

Sheffield United v Portsmouth, Monday 19:45, Sky Sports 1, Match odds: Sheffield United 1.774/5, Portsmouth 5.39/2, The Draw 3.953/1

With blistering League One pacesetters Tranmere running out of gas in recent weeks, the Football League's only unbeaten team Sheffield United have the opportunity to go joint-top tonight.

And given that the fixture determining their fate is a home match against a Portsmouth side ten points worse off in 15th who built a squad from scratch in the summer, you'd assume that nudging up alongside Ronnie Moore's men is a formality for the hosts, but don't be so certain.

Though Pompey unsurprisingly started slowly as the players acclimatised to both new surroundings and one another, they retain a fondness for disturbing far more tranquil opponents.

Four times already this season, they have avoided defeat away to top-half clubs, a stunning 3-0 triumph at Crawley and a 2-2 draw with MK Dons among those successes. They are also gradually gaining consistency, claiming four victories in their last six league encounters.

And Sheffield United's loss-free opening sequence hasn't been entirely convincing, featuring as many draws as wins (seven of each), including four in their past five at Bramall Lane, while at no stage have they won three in a row.

Recent 1-0 wins against Preston and Walsall fail to mask the lack of goal threat that has plagued them since star striker Ched Evans was jailed in April. They have scored one goal or fewer in 12 of their 14 league games and are up against a team who have averaged two a match in their last six.

Over/under 2.5 goals

Unsurprisingly, in light of the above statistics about the blunt Blades attack - which has been less prolific than Portsmouth's despite far superior results - they are under 2.5 goal magnets, with nine of their last ten League One outings fulfilling the criteria.

Portsmouth's tendency to entertain has prompted plumper odds than usual of 2.021/1, and with just one Bramall Lane tie all season creeping over that mark, they are well worth snapping up.

Best Bet: Lay Sheffield United @ 1.784/5
Other Recommended Bet: Back under 2.5 goals @ 2.021/1