Boxing Day is always a great day for football fans in the United Kingdom and there are some excellent Premier League fixtures to look forward to this year. One of which takes place at Bramall Lane as Sheffield United host Watford.
Sheffield United have enjoyed a tremendous return to the Premier League and begin this game sitting 5th in the table. The Blades are looking to close the gap on Chelsea who occupy the 4th Champions League qualifying position. Watford make the trip north propping up the table but know a win for them could lift them above Norwich City.
Sheffield United come into this match on the back of another good away performance as they defeated Brighton and Hove Albion 1-0 on Saturday afternoon. That result means Sheffield United have won each of their last three Premier League matches including wins over Norwich City away and Aston Villa at home.
Trends show Sheffield United have lost only one of their last 11 Premier League games. They have won 5 of those matches and the only defeat came at home against Newcastle United. They will be wary of that result coming into this game.
Sheffield United have kept 3 clean sheets in their last 5 home Premier League matches and will be aiming to add to that record by shutting out Watford. The Blades have seen under 2.5 goals in 5 of their last 7 home league games.
Watford will enter this match with renewed confidence having recorded a superb 2-0 home victory over Manchester United on Sunday. While it was not enough to lift them off the bottom of the Premier League, it was a much needed win at home and they now have something to build on under new manager Nigel Pearson.
That win was their first in 6 attempts in the Premier League and only the second time Watford have scored at home in their last 6 league games.
Trends show Watford have lost 4 of their last 5 away matches in all competitions with the only victory coming at Norwich City. They have lost each of their last 3 away Premier League games and have failed to score a goal in 8 of their last 12 away matches in all competitions. Watford have seen under 2.5 goals scored in 6 of their last 7 away games.
Team news and Sheffield United can welcome back John Fleck who was suspended on the weekend. The Blades have no major injury concerns ahead of this game.
Watford will be without suspended midfielder Abdoulaye Doucouré which is a blow. Danny Welbeck, Daryl Janmaat, Sebastian Prödl and Tom Cleverley are all trying to work their way back to fitness.
Watford will be feeling better about their chances of taking something from this game following their good result on Sunday. However, Sheffield United have been excellent in the Premier League this season and have what it takes to win this game with under 2.5 goals scored.