TV pundit Mark Lawrenson is backing Sheffield United to come out on top against Crystal Palace this weekend. The Blades got off to a decent start away from home on the opening day with a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth.

Bramall Lane will be bouncing this weekend for the first home game in the top flight for twelve years and Lawrenson believes home advantage for Chris Wilder‘s side could prove crucial versus the Eagles:

“A draw at Bournemouth was a decent result for the Blades and I quite fancy them to beat Palace, because they will have a real go at them. Bramall Lane will be a full house and there will be a great noise.”

The former Liverpool defender has gone for a 2-1 win for United. One fact that Blades fans will need to be aware of, though, is that Palace had a much better away record last season than at home.

Roy Hodgson’s team racked up nine wins and accrued 29 points on the road, the sixth-best record in the league. Despite that, Wilder and his team will head into the match full of confidence having only lost four times in 23 league games at Bramall Lane last campaign.