Every English Premier League club now has only 2 matches remaining in the season and on Monday the 20th of July Sheffield United meet Everton at Bramall Lane.
This is a huge game for the hosts who need to pick up maximum points if they are going to finish in the top 6 this season. The visitors are aiming to restore some pride having suffered some disappointing performances since the lockdown.
Sheffield United come into the match having suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Champions League chasing Leicester City. It was always going to be a tough game for The Blades but their resolute defence was breached twice, once in the first half and once in the second half. That was the first defeat for Sheffield United in 5 Premier League games.
They had previously defeated Tottenham Hotspur, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea at home, all of which were excellent results. However, the problems have come away from home and Sheffield United will be pleased to have this game at Bramall Lane.
Home form has been excellent and Sheffield United are undefeated in their last 6 Premier League matches. They have won 5 of those 6 games and have kept clean sheets in 3 of the last 4 at home in the league. You must go back to the 21st of January to find the last time Sheffield United lost at home and that came against defending champions Manchester City.
Everton rescued a point in their previous Premier League game at home against relegation threatened Aston Villa. It appeared as though The Toffees were going to lose the match having conceded a goal in the 72nd minute but they rescued a point thanks to an equaliser from Theo Walcott.
That result means Everton have failed to win any of their last 4 Premier League matches. There have been some disappointing performances in the defeats against Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers plus the draw at home against Southampton.
Trends show Everton have seen under 2.5 goals scored in 3 of their last 4 league games. They have lost 4 of their last 5 away Premier League matches and have failed to score a goal in 3 of their last 4 on the road. In addition, Everton have conceded 3 or more goals in 3 of their last 5 away league games.
Team news and Sheffield United will be without Leon Clarke and Luke Freeman who are both injured. They are the only definite absentees for the hosts.
Everton travel without Cenk Tosun, Fabian Delph and Jean-Philippe Gbamin who are all injured. Mason Holgate was withdrawn early in the match against Aston Villa and is a doubt along with Yerry Mina.
Given the current form of both teams, Sheffield United must come into this match as the favourites to win. They could do so by scoring a couple of goals and keeping a clean sheet.