Sheffield United were chasing European qualification this time last season. Now, they are hurtling back to the Championship after a dismal season in the English top-flight.
Things are so bad at Bramall Lane that there is fear they could suffer a second relegation next term and fall back into League One. Such is the mood surrounding the Blades going into the weekend. Sheffield United are not relegated currently.
"Adama Traore has scored a stunning goal that surely has to be the winner!!" 🗣🚀 @AdamaTrd37 pic.twitter.com/1TvDQg15ya— Wolves (@Wolves) April 10, 2021
"Adama Traore has scored a stunning goal that surely has to be the winner!!" 🗣🚀 @AdamaTrd37 pic.twitter.com/1TvDQg15ya
However, they are 18 points from safety with 21 points left to play for. Relegation could be confirmed this weekend with a loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s team were in the Europa League knockout stage this time last season. Like Sheffield United, they have experienced a poor season.
Unlike Sheffield United, there downturn in form hasn’t been due to poor transfer market work and a former coach unwilling to play a $20 million striker. Wolverhampton have struggled due to long-term injuries to key players.
The manager has done well with what was left available following Raul Jimenez’s fractured skull and Wolves sit 12th with 38 points from 31 games. It isn’t great but Santo should be commended for the work he has done once more.
Neither side go into the Saturday night fixture in very good form. Wolverhampton Wanderers took just five points from their last 18 available. A 1-0 win over Fulham last weekend ended a two-match losing streak.
Sheffield United took just three points from the last 18 available. They are on a four-game losing streak. Just two goals were scored by the Blades over the course of their last six games.
Wolves easily handled Sheffield United earlier this season, 2-0, thanks to goals from Jimenez and Romain Saiss. Both goals came in the opening six minutes of the game.
Jimenez is still on the injury list and won’t play this weekend. Joining him is defender Willy Boly, Jonny Otto, Pedro Neto, Ruben Neves, and Fernando Marcal. Several key players will miss the game and Wolves must adapt.
Paul Heckingbottom is overseeing Sheffield United’s fall into the Championship. He too has injury issues going into the game and could be without up to six players.
Midfielder Sander Berge is ruled out with a thigh injury. Oliver McBurnie is ruled out with an ankle issue. Jack Robinson, Jack O’Connell, and Billy Sharp will all three miss the fixture as well. Chris Basham is unlikely to feature as he rehabs a previous injury.
Wolves picked up a big 1-0 win against Fulham last weekend and should continue their form with a victory against the Blades.
The Old Gold will be too much for the Blades and over 2.5 goals could be scored in this one.