Southampton are fifth in the Premier League after 11 matches. The Saints have taken 20 points from 33 possible and can move as high as third with a win against Sheffield United and results going their way elsewhere.
Sheffield United are at the opposite end of the table. Chris Wilder’s team are bottom of the table having taken just one point from 33 possible. Six straight games in the league ended in losses and Sheffield United are on the fast track back to the Championship.
Southampton won both league matches between these teams last season. The Saints outscored Sheffield United 4-1 over the course of 180 minutes of football. Their game at St. Mary’s Stadium finished 3-1 last term.
Signing off with a W! 🔥#SaintsFC finished the 2019/20 season in style when #SUFC last came to St Mary's: pic.twitter.com/dW9QRDYBB9— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) December 11, 2020
Signing off with a W! 🔥#SaintsFC finished the 2019/20 season in style when #SUFC last came to St Mary's: pic.twitter.com/dW9QRDYBB9
Sheffield United’s John Lundstrum opened the scoring in the game with a 26th minute goal. Southampton fought back scoring through Che Adams (twice) and Danny Ings.
Ralph Hassenhuttl got a huge boost on matchday 11 with Ings’ return from injury. The striker missed three games following a minor knee operation. The club were expected to fall off without him, but did the opposite. Ings has scored six goals this season accounting for 29% of the team’s goals.
Southampton have tallied nine points from their last 15 possible. They are +2 in goal difference. Although they lost 3-2 to Manchester United in their last home game, the Saints led at halftime 2-0.
Sheffield United have not obtained a point on the road. All five away matches finished in losses for the Blades. They have been outscored 10-3 on the road in those five fixtures.
Hassenhuttl is free of player injuries this weekend. Compared to the rest of the league, Southampton have benefitted from players being fit.
Sheffield United will be without Jack O’Connell, who is recuperating from a knee injury. Wilder could be without Enda Stevens and Ethan Ampadu. The duo is struggling with leg injuries. Striker Lys Mousset is a doubt to play.
The big question is will Wilder give Rhian Brewster time to make an impact this weekend? It feels like the manager has already written off the big-money transfer. Brewster hasn’t scored yet and averages under 45 minutes of football per appearance for the team.
Southampton have been brilliant and should keep that form going versus a bad Sheffield United at home. The Saints should take advantage of Sheffield United’s poor defence and bag another win. Southampton could move into the top three with a victory and results going their way elsewhere.