Sheffield United will be looking to secure their first Premier League win of the season when Newcastle United visit Bramall Lane on Sunday.
Key Takeaways
- Sheffield United have taken one point from a possible 15 this term
- Newcastle have lost three of their five league games in 2023-24
- The Magpies held AC Milan to a 0-0 draw in the Champions League on Tuesday
Languishing at the bottom end of the Premier League table, Sheffield United are in desperate need of a win. That said, Newcastle will also be determined to taste victory on Sunday, having made a below-par start to the season.
Sheffield United Form
The Blades can count themselves extremely unfortunate to have suffered a 2-1 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, with Richarlison’s 98th-minute equaliser preceding Dejan Kulusevski’s 100th-minute winner in North London.
Sheffield United have now recorded three 2-1 losses in five Premier League outings this season, picking up a solitary point in the process. To make matters worse, only four teams have scored fewer PL goals than Paul Heckingbottom’s men in 2023-24.
Newcastle United Form
Despite facing an onslaught of 25 shots while managing a single attempt on target in reply, Newcastle held AC Milan to a goalless draw at the San Siro in midweek, opening their Champions League account with a positive result against last season’s semi-finalists.
Eddie Howe’s side have experienced an indifferent start to the Premier League season, recording two wins and three losses. Following a 5-1 thrashing of Aston Villa on the opening day, the Magpies returned to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over Brentford last weekend.
Head-to-Head
Newcastle have won six of their last seven meetings with Sheffield United across all competitions. When you look at the bigger picture, the Magpies have won nine of their previous 12 matches against the Blades, keeping six clean sheets for good measure.
Team News
Sheffield United are experiencing something of an injury crisis at the moment, with Max Lowe, John Fleck, Ben Osborn, Rhian Brewster, Rhys Norrington-Davies, George Baldock and John Egan all on the sidelines. On top of that, Oli McBurnie is suspended.
As for Newcastle, Joe Willock and Emil Krafth remain long-term injury absentees, while Brazilian destroyer Joelinton finds himself on the treatment table with a knee problem.
Key Players
Despite Sheff Utd’s struggles, goalkeeper Wes Foderingham has made lots of important saves this season, preventing his team from suffering heavier defeats. At the opposite end of the pitch, new signing Gustavo Hamer has scored two goals in four appearances.
Callum Wilson has been Newcastle’s biggest attacking threat this term, netting three goals in six games. Wingers Anthony Gordon and Havey Barnes have also impressed, each bagging a goal and an assist.
Final Thoughts
Following a tricky spell, Eddie Howe’s men head into Sunday’s clash with a spring in their step after leaving the San Siro with a point. Given that Sheffield United have lost four of their five league games this season, it could be another difficult afternoon for the Blades.
Premier League
UEFA Champions League