Sheffield United host Birmingham City at Bramall Lane in a Championship match just before Christmas, with both sides seeking three points to improve their momentum. Sports Mole predicts a 3-1 home victory, arguing that the Blades should respond strongly after their defeat at West Bromwich Albion and use home advantage to secure a fourth league win at Bramall Lane.

Sheffield United arrive with four wins, a draw and a defeat in their last six league matches, while Birmingham’s recent sequence is two wins, two draws and two losses. Ben Mee and Chiedozie Ogbene are unavailable for the hosts, while Birmingham are without Bright Osayi-Samuel, who has left for Africa Cup of Nations duty, and Ethan Laird; Willum Willumsson may return to the visitors’ squad.