Manchester City vs Sheffield United
Date: 29/12/2019
K/O: 18:00
Venue: Etihad Stadium
Referee: Chris Kavanagh
Manchester City host the high-flying Blades this Sunday as the Champions continue to chase Liverpool, who are striding ahead at the pinnacle of the Premier League.
Last time out Man City were beaten against Wolves at the Molineux Stadium. Raheem Sterling scored twice before Traore, Jimenez and Doherty netted to win the game late on. City have often been frustrated in this fixture, as Wolves have historically caused them issues and this win means that Wolves have done a league double over the reigning Champions, as they stole the three points from them earlier in October.
The Citizens will be keen to bounce back after dropping three points though but they will need to be at their best to break down a tough Sheffield side. In their last fixture, Sheffield United were held by Watford in a dominant display at Bramall Lane. Nigel Pearson’s side opened the scoring as Gerrard Deulofeu calmly slotted past Dean Henderson early on. The hosts responded quickly though and Oliver Norwood converted from the spot less than 10 minutes later, after VAR awarded the hosts a penalty. United continued to look dominant throughout, forcing a catalog of fine saves from Ben Foster. The Blades even had a goal chalked off by VAR which may have seen them win the game.
Sunday’s clash will be a whole different challenge for the Blades, as City will test them in all departments. The Steel Army have been rock-solid at the back all season and will look to use their defence as a means of continuing their unbeaten away record. This will likely see Wilder’s side sit very deep, with 11 men behind the ball – which has been done countlessly at the Etihad, in a bid to keep out the Champion’s fierce attack. If the Blades do succeed in keeping the Citizens at bay, their best chance of scoring is hitting the hosts on the counterattack whilst breaking at speed. Sheffield United must be clinical in front of goal as City will look to suffocate them with possession and ultimately tire them out over the course of the game.
Manchester City have only three wins in their previous six games, including a draw and a loss – far below their usual standard. The first defeat came against Manchester United who bullied them at their own ground. They were later held to a draw on Tyneside by the Magpies before being beaten by Wolves the last game week in a 3-2 defeat.
Pep Guardiola’s side need to up their game if they are to create a title race this season. Their unusual league form does suggest that maybe the Argentine manager is prioritising the Champions League, which he admitted he would like City to win.
Team News
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola will be without first-choice goalkeeper Ederson after his sending off against Wolves on Friday. This will mean that his replacement, Claudio Bravo, will likely start in goal after replacing Aguero 12 minutes in against Wolves.
David Silva may return to action after not making the matchday squad on Friday. The Spaniard is out with a knock and will make the bench at most. Jesus, who filled in for a previously injured Aguero, missed the trip to Wolves with an illness, but Aguero will likely start again against the Blades after being substituted for the red-carded Ederson after only 12 minutes.
Gundogan could also return to action after only making the bench on Friday. The German midfielder had a minor knock meaning he could start in midfield on Sunday to provide some fresh legs. Pep Guardiola is known for ringing in the changes, so it’s hard to predict what sort of team the Champions will field against the Blades.
Sheffield United
So far this season Chris Wilder has been fortunate with his squad’s fitness, but he did mention that he was keeping an eye on “a couple” of players following their draw with Watford; while some are being assessed for fatigue.
Thankfully for the Blades there were no specific injuries following their Boxing Day clash. But the Sheffield United boss does tend to rotate his strike force to keeps things fresh, so Oli McBurnie and David McGoldrick could drop ahead of Sunday; meaning Lys Mousset, Callum Robinson and Billy Sharp will be fighting for a start.
The Blades’ head coach likes to keep things simple in defence and midfield this season, only making changes when injury or suspension has intervened. So, he may stick to his standard line-up in that regard. The mention of tiredness may allow Ben Osborn, Luke Freeman and Mo Besic some rare game time, but the United boss is yet to drop his favourable trio of John Fleck, John Lundstram or Oliver Norwood. Phil Jagielka, however, is in line for a start at centre-back if required.
Predicted Starting XIs
Manchester City (4-2-3-1): Bravo; Walker, Otamendi, Fernandinho, Mendy; Rodri, Bernardo Silva; Mahrez, De Bruyne, Sterling; Aguero
Sheffield United (3-5-2): Henderson; Basham, Egan, O’Connell; Baldock, Lundstram, Norwood, Fleck, Stevens; Mousset, Robinson
Score Prediction: Manchester City 2-0 Sheffield United
City were once again frustrated, and I wonder if they have lost their way a bit in the league. However, being at home offers them an advantage and Pep will be desperate to register three points to keep some pressure on Liverpool and Leicester in second-place. The Blades have been fantastic against the big sides this season, but I fear that this fixture will come too soon for them and City will cruise to a win.
