Sheffield United welcome Southampton to Bramall Lane on Saturday as both teams look to build on impressive draws in the previous round.
The Blades came from two goals down to rescue a point away at Chelsea, while Southampton secured a 1-1 draw with Manchester United at St. Mary’s.
The Saints have enjoyed a mixed start to the 2019/20 Premier League campaign, and find themselves sitting 13th in the table with a record of W1-D1-L2.
Sheff Utd’s record of W1-D2-L1 means the club are one point clear of Southampton in 10th.
The two teams haven’t faced each other in the league since the 2008/09, when both clubs were competing in the Championship.
Sheff Utd were unbeaten against Southampton that season, with a goalless home draw and a 2-1 victory at St. Mary’s.
The Blades have made a promising start to life back in the top-flight and have arguably been the standout performers of the three newly promoted sides.
They have shown great resilience by rescuing points from losing positions and will be full of confidence heading into Saturday’s clash.
After losing their opening two matches, Southampton are on a three-game unbeaten run in all competitions and followed up an eye-catching win at Brighton with a hard-fought draw against Man Utd.
Sheff Utd will pose a different kind of threat this weekend and it’s set to be a tough match for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men.
Michael Obafemi and Nathan Redmond are both a doubt for the match after going off injured in Southampton’s last game.
The pair left the field in the second-half of the Saints’ Carabao Cup win over Fulham and both looked in some discomfort.
As for Sheffield United, star-striking duo David McGoldrick and Callum Robinson have both sustained injuries on international duty with the Republic of Ireland.
McGoldrick has a shoulder issue while Robinson picked up a thigh strain, and Blades’ boss Chris Wilder may have to delve deep into his squad to find replacements.
In total, the two teams have met on 54 occasions over the years, and Sheffield United have the upper hand in the head-to-head record.
The Blades have beaten Southampton 25 times, while the Saints have registered 16 wins in reply.
Coming 🔜#SUFC 🔴 pic.twitter.com/W0XSLek9rd— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) September 7, 2019
Coming 🔜#SUFC 🔴 pic.twitter.com/W0XSLek9rd
Considering Sheff Utd’s impressive start to the season and Southampton’s poor defensive record, a home win is on the cards.
Forebet predicts that Sheffield United will clinch the victory while keeping a clean sheet.