There is only one match on Sunday in the Premier League this weekend but it has the makings of being a cracking game. Sheffield United welcome Manchester United to Bramall Lane for what should be a keenly contested fixture.
Perhaps surprisingly, it is the hosts who begin the weekend higher in the table and the Sheffield United start in 5th place on 17 points. Manchester United are two places behind them on 16 points and need to win the match in order to move above their opponents.
Sheffield United come into this game having picked up a good point in a 1-1 draw at Tottenham Hotspur prior to the international break. That result means Sheffield United are undefeated in their last 5 Premier League matches, winning 2 and drawing 3 of those games. The wins have come against Arsenal and Burnley at home while in addition to the draw with Spurs, the Blades have been held at Watford and West Ham United.
Trends show Sheffield United have conceded 4 goals in 6 home Premier League matches this season. They have kept a clean sheet in each of their last 2 home league games, conceding an average of 0.75 goals in their home games in all competitions games this season. Sheffield United have seen under 2.5 goals in 8 of their last 9 matches in all competitions.
Manchester United travel to Sheffield having defeated Brighton and Hove Albion 3-1 at home before the international fixtures. It was their second win in succession following the defeat of Partizan Belgrade in the Europa League, another match which was played at Old Trafford. However, looking back at their previous away game in the Premier League shows a 1-0 defeat at Bournemouth, which was a disappointing result.
Trends show Manchester United have won only 2 of their last 7 Premier League games, a run which is not good enough for a club expecting to challenge for the top four. In addition, Manchester United’s away form is poor and they have won only one of their last 10 away Premier League matches. The win came away against Norwich City towards the end of October.
One of Manchester United’s biggest issues in away Premier League games this season has been scoring goals. They have found the back of the net just once in their last 4 away league games, failing to register at Newcastle United, West Ham United and Bournemouth.
Team news and Sheffield United have just one injury issue and John Egan Is doubtful due to a calf problem. The Blades should be close to full strength for this game.
The same cannot be said for Manchester United and they will be without Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay, which is a blow to their central midfield. Axel Tuanzebe, Diogo Dalot, Eric Bailly, Luke Shaw, Nemanja Matic and Timothy Fosu-Mensah are back in training.
This should be a very competitive match with both teams aiming to keep a clean sheet. Manchester United have not had things all their own way away from home in the Premier League recently but have the attacking talent to finally start scoring goals and win the match. However, do not expect to see over 2.5 goals in this game.