Sheffield United take a two-match unbeaten run up against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday night at Bramall Lane.
The Blades took four points from six off of Wolves last term. They claimed a 1-1 draw at Molineux with a goal from Lys Mousset in the first half. Wolves needed a second-half goal from Matt Doherty to gain a point.
Their return fixture at Bramall Lane ended in a win for Sheffield United. A 90th-minute John Egan goal gave the Blades the spoils and helped kill off Wolves’ European qualification hopes.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s team did reach the Europa League quarterfinals where they lost to eventual champions Sevilla. Missing out on European football for next term could be a blessing in disguise for the club.
Wolverhampton Wanderers have been busy in the offseason transfer market. They added defender Marcal from Lyon and midfielder Vitinha from FC Porto. Their biggest signing, however, is striker Fabio Silva.
The Portuguese wonderkid is expected to partner Raul Jimenez and improve on Wolves’ goalscoring. Wolves scored 51 goals in 2019-20 which was just off of their expected goals total of 54.22.
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has been just as active. He reinforced the team’s defence with Ethan Ampadu from Chelsea, Jayden Bogle from Derby County, and Max Lowe from Derby County.
Well-travelled right winger Oliver Burke was signed from West Brom. Burke is verging on the territory of a failed youngster. After impressive at Nottingham Forest, Burke has played for RB Leipzig, West Brom, Celtic, and most recently, Deportivo Alaves without making impacts.
Wilder’s biggest tasks this offseason were to sign a new goalkeeper and goalscorer. He is still looking for a goalscorer, but inked goalie Aaron Ramsdale from Bournemouth.
Dean Henderson was the backbone to Sheffield United’s brilliant defence last season. They conceded just 39 times. Ramsdale will be tasked with filling the void left by Henderson’s return to Manchester United. Ramsdale did concede 60 goals as Bournemouth were relegated.
The last six games between the two clubs saw 12 goals combined scored. There were also 21 yellow cards and two red cards handed out.
Four of those six games came in the EFL Championship or League One. The teams have far better attacking options heading into Monday night’s game. Expect both teams to score and over 2.5 goals tallied.
Last chance to order Monday’s UTB.Supporters have until 4pm online today to purchase your copy of UTB in time for United's season curtain raiser with Wolves on Monday.#SUFC 🔴https://t.co/wR1urqfQqi— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) September 10, 2020
Last chance to order Monday’s UTB.Supporters have until 4pm online today to purchase your copy of UTB in time for United's season curtain raiser with Wolves on Monday.#SUFC 🔴https://t.co/wR1urqfQqi
Sheffield United should edge out Wolves for the win and start the Premier League season on the right foot.