Manchester City host Premier League surprise package Sheffield United on Sunday at the Etihad Stadium. The Cityzens head into the fixture chasing Liverpool at the top of the Premier League and will hope to reel in the Reds with a win versus Sheffield United.
The Blades won’t be pushovers. Chris Wilder’s team has been brilliant in the first half of the season collecting 29 points from 57 possible. Sheffield United go into round 20 level on points with Tottenham Hotspur as they aim to crash the top five.
If there is a team that can take points off of Manchester City at the Etihad – which there have been a few this season – then Sheffield United can do it.
The Blades have already taken points off of Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, and Manchester United. They are a well drilled side that plays organised football at both ends.
Sheffield United and Manchester City have not played since the 2007-08 season and their results from 10 years ago will have no impact on Sunday’s match. Manchester City need to prevent dropping points to have any hope of catching Liverpool and retaining their league title.
Pep Guardiola’s team entered the Christmas holiday period 11 points behind the Reds and a point behind Leicester City in the race for second place. Manchester City will have a boost with Sergio Aguero back from injury and able to start the match.
Midfielder David Silva could be back from his injury while John Stones is nearing a return as well. Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne have been fighting for match fitness this week. Due to the busy Christmas period, one or both midfielders could be rested.
Wilder has had great fortune this season in the injury department. The Blades have just one player currently listed as injured. Simon Moore has a groin issue and may not make the matchday squad.
Sheffield United have not lost on the road this season. They have collected a 3W-6D-0L record away from Bramall Lane. They will be dangerous at the Etihad Stadium.
Giving them even more of a chance versus Manchester City is the rest they will have before the match. Sheffield United played on Thursday versus Watford. That game ended 1-1 with the Blades coming back to get the draw.
Manchester City’s match versus Wolverhampton Wanderers takes place on Friday night giving them far less time to rest before playing against the Blades.
That limited amount of time could greatly affect the match’s outcome. Expect a close game when Manchester City host Sheffield United at the Etihad on Sunday night.