Sheffield United vs Burnley
Date: 02/11/2019
K/O: 15:00
Venue: Bramall Lane
Referee: Simon Hooper
Sheffield United and Burnley lock horns this Saturday at Bramall Lane in a game where the visitors will be desperate to pick up their first away win of the season.
Burnley are now winless in two games and face a very much in-form Sheffield side. Last time out Sean Dyche’s side suffered a 4-2 defeat to Chelsea, in what turned out to be a game that could have gone either way.
Two late strikes from Jay Rodriguez and Dwight McNeil were not enough to stage a comeback for the Clarets, but it left the home side wondering what could have been if they had performed better in the first half.
The Blades continued their unbeaten away record last week, with a draw against the Hammers. Chris Wilder himself felt as if his side should have won the game, so this weekend he will be hoping that his side can convert more of their chances in-front of goal.
Burnley fans will be moderately pleased with the way their season has gone so far – but there is always room for improvement. Burnley are slightly adrift of the bottom three, with a four-point gap and four teams in between them.
This does make for a more comfortable sitting compared to last season when at times they looked in danger of going down and actually only finished with 40 points. But on the basis of how the Clarets have been playing, it is more than likely that they will push on and break into the top half of the table.
Chris Wilder has done a fantastic job this season, and United are looking a very tough side to play against. However, it is now more of a case than just fighting to stay up – it’s who can they beat and how high up the table can they finish.
Incredibly the Blades are in eighth place, joint on points with Manchester United and above Tottenham Hotspur. But surely the question of Europa League football is off the table – it would make a remarkable story.
In order for Burnley to progress up the table, it seems vital that Dyche tightens the defence up. Last week was a good example of how Burnley can win games if they don’t make defensive errors. Two of Pulisic’s goals originated from the Clarets being sloppy in possession and giving the ball away.
Burnley haven’t been scoring in abundance, but they have been getting goals. Chris Wood, Ashley Barnes and McNeil are the three most likely of proving, with a total of nine goals between them so far this season. If the Clarets are to come away from Bramall Lane with points, it seems imperative they stay defensively resolute this weekend.
Sheffield have only scored nine goals this season, compared to Burnley’s 14, but the Blades are four places higher than their opponents – this is all down to their defending. Wilder’s side have kept four clean sheets and conceded an impressive eight goals, which is the joint lowest in the league with Liverpool and Leicester, whilst City have conceded nine.
Team News
Sheffield United
Lys Mousset was on the bench against West Ham last week, but Wilder said he is tempted to start him after he has scored in back to back games for the Blades. Wilder has also mentioned that his summer signing is still a little way from being able to see out a full 90 minutes. So the French striker could still be used as an impact substitute.
Callum Robinson is likely to start upfront if Wilder opts to use Mousset as a substitute. He could be partnered with either with Billy Sharp, David McGoldrick or Oli McBurnie. There has been little rotation in defence and midfield this season, with there still being eight unchanged players in the side. United are fortunate that there are no fresh injury concerns.
Burnley
Only two midfielders are out for the Clarets. The influential Gudmundsson is still sidelined with a hamstring injury and his return date is unknown. Danny Drinkwater is ruled out with an ankle injury and is unlikely to make the bench for this weekend’s clash.
Chris Wood has been one of Burnley’s main attacking outlets so far this season. Last week the Clarets were dealt an injury blow as the striker missed the game through a hamstring injury. However it appears he may be fit enough to start this weekend against the Blades, but he is still subject to some late fitness tests.
Predicted Starting XIs
Sheffield United (5-3-2): Henderson; Basham, Egan, O’Connell; Baldock, Lundstram, Norwood, Fleck, Stevens; Mousset, McGoldrick
Burnley (4-4-2): Pope; Lowton, Tarkowski, Mee, Pieters; Mcneil, Cork, Westwood, Brady; Wood, Barnes
Score Prediction: Sheffield United 1-2 Burnley
