Mansfield vs Sheffield United prediction 09.08.2026 | EFL Cup

Mansfield Town prepares for this one on the back of a mixed pre-season run that concluded with a 3-1 home defeat against Derby County.

The Stags suffered a disappointing first-round exit in the league cup last season but showed promise this summer, bouncing back from a 4-3 defeat to Barrow with a convincing 4-0 victory over Alfreton Town.

Nigel Clough’s men are eager to restore defensive stability after shipping eight goals across their four friendlies. On home soil last season, they maintained a reasonably stable footprint in League One, securing 9 wins and 8 draws out of 23 matches at the One Call Stadium.

Key forward Rhys Oates, who finished as the club’s top scorer last season, remains their primary focal point after scoring a brace against Alfreton. However, a minor injury concern hangs over defender Baily Cargill following a knock in pre-season.

Sheffield United enters this one on the back of an encouraging six-match unbeaten pre-season run, featuring four wins and two clean sheets.

The Blades endured an early exit in the league cup last season but looked incredibly sharp during their recent pre-season campaign, stringing together convincing victories over Halifax Town, Levante, Huddersfield and Rotherham United.

Chris Wilder's men are determined to find their clinical edge after dominating possession but failing to break the deadlock in their final friendly game in Germany.

On their travels last season, the Yorkshire club struggled for consistency in the Championship, managing just two wins from their final five games away from Bramall Lane.

Key midfielder Gustavo Hamer, who contributed 11 goals and assists last term, remains their primary creative outlet alongside vital new summer signing Callum O'Hare.