Following their first win in almost six months, Sheffield United will be looking to gather some momentum when Newcastle United visit Bramall Lane on Tuesday.
The Blades edged past Bristol Rovers 3-2 in the FA Cup on Saturday, while Newcastle were knocked out in the third round by Arsenal.
🗣 "It's been a long time and I've really missed it. Karl has done a good job and all credit to him, he deserves it, but I was trying to show my quality as well."Martin Dúbravka on his return to action on Saturday. 🧤🇸🇰— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) January 11, 2021
🗣 "It's been a long time and I've really missed it. Karl has done a good job and all credit to him, he deserves it, but I was trying to show my quality as well."Martin Dúbravka on his return to action on Saturday. 🧤🇸🇰
However, Chris Wilder’s side still find themselves rock bottom of the Premier League table – 12 points from safety and 17 points behind fifteenth-place Newcastle.
Sheff Utd have failed to win any of their league games this season, with two draws and 15 defeats coming along the way.
Not only are the Blades the lowest scorers in the division, but they also have the third-worst defensive record.
Granted, Bristol Rovers may be in League One. But Wilder’s men can take confidence from the fact that they finally ended their lengthy winless run last time out.
Sheff Utd enjoyed the lion’s share of possession at Memorial Stadium, racking up 22 shots (eight on target) in the process.
Meanwhile, Newcastle managed to push Arsenal to extra-time on Saturday. But two late goals saw the Magpies bow out of the FA Cup.
Steve Bruce’s men created a handful of goalscoring opportunities, yet they were ultimately unable to cause the Gunners any serious problems.
Newcastle now head into Tuesday’s clash on a seven-match winless streak in all competitions, having also been knocked out of the EFL Cup quarter-finals by Championship side Brentford.
In the Premier League, three defeats and two draws have seen the Magpies slide down the table – seven points clear of the relegation zone.
It is also worth pointing out that Newcastle have only managed to score one goal in their previous five outings in all competitions.
Head-to-head: Despite Sheff Utd’s success in 2019/20, Newcastle did the double over the Blades last season.
Bruces’ men secured a 2-0 victory at Bramall Lane, before claiming a 3-0 win in the reverse fixtures at St. James’ Park.
In fact, Newcastle have claimed five straight victories over the Blades in all competitions, with seven wins in their previous eight meetings.
Team news: Sander Berge, Jack Robinson and Jack O’Connell are all currently sidelined for Sheff Utd, while George Baldock, Enda Stevens and Oli McBurnie are all injury doubts.
Allan Saint-Maximin is still unavailable for Newcastle, with Jamal Lewis and Ryan Fraser also unlikely to feature on Tuesday.
Sheff Utd will head into this clash full of confidence having picked up a rare win at the weekend, but their Premier League form has been woeful this term.
Forebet predicts that Newcastle will score over 1.5 goals and keep a clean sheet on their way to victory over the Blades.