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Sheffield United vs Newcastle United: 05/12/2019 – match preview and predicted starting XIs

Sheffield United vs Newcastle United

Date: 05/12/2019

K/O: 19:30

Venue: Bramall Lane

Referee: Stuart Attwell

TV: Amazon Prime Video 

Sheffield United, who are now unbeaten in seven games, host the Magpies this Thursday evening as they look to establish themselves amongst the top-six.

Last time out Sheffield United were held to a point against Wolves, with Matt Doherty pegging back the Blades with a headed equaliser in the second half. United went ahead in emphatic fashion, after only 63 seconds Lys Mousset was amongst the goals again and looked to be a constant threat throughout the game.

The only issue for Wilder’s men was their lack of ruthlessness in front of goal. A flurry of squandered second-half chances left them disappointed when the final whistle eventually blew at 1-1.

Last time out Newcastle United frustrated Manchester City as they held the Champions to a 2-2 draw at St James’ Park. Steve Bruce will be delighted with his side’s performance, as they went behind twice, but replied instantly on both occasions with two fine goals.

Jetro Willems put the Magpies level with a precise finish following a slick move with Miguel Almirón. After Kevin De Bruyne scored yet another wonder goal, putting the champions 2-1 up, it was left to the home side to conjure up another response – and they did.

Christian Atsu spotted Jonjo Shelvey outside the area, rolling him the ball, Shelvey executed his shot perfectly, curling the ball into the far side netting and rescuing a much-needed point for his side.

If Sheffield are to beat Newcastle on Thursday then they must take their chances when they come. Against Wolves the Blades had only 41% of possession, which suggests they may have been dominated. That was not the case, as Wilder’s men managed more shots on target than their opponents and should have won the game with the better chances they created.

Defensively Sheffield looked impressive again and kept Wolves out until the 63rd minute until Jimenez scored. That has been much of Sheffield’s story so far this season and with Wilder’s defensive tactics and formation, scoring first and then sitting back may be the key to victory this Thursday.

Newcastle for once looked hungry and inspired against City and could prove to be a tougher test than many predict. Going forward is where the Magpies are seriously struggling, they have scored only 13 goals which is the second-worst amount of goals in the league, with Watford at the bottom on nine. Newcastle’s leading goal scorer is Jonjo Shelvey who is on three goals, closely followed by defender Willems on two.

This illustrates how poor Newcastle’s attack is and why they need to start pulling their weight in order to avoid dropping into the bottom three. The Blades are not easily broken down and will be tough opposition to score against, especially when you factor in that Leicester and Liverpool are the only teams to have conceded less than them.

For Sheffield, Wilder will be turning once again to Mousset for goals – he is now on five for the season. Elsewhere, Blades fans will be hoping that David McGoldrick has his shooting boots on this week as he missed a series of chances last week.

Lundstram and Fleck will combat the Magpies midfield with their dynamic passing and moving, this will likely cause Bruce’s men all sorts of problems if they are to prevent the Blades from scoring. Lundstram has three goals and two assists to his name and is having a season to remember.

For Newcastle, their star signing Almiron has looked threatening on occasions and has created some great goals, but he is still yet to score. The Magpies are starved of much attacking inspiration; Jonjo Shelvey will be an imminent threat from set-pieces, whilst Allan Saint-Maximin has also looked dangerous at times. It could turn out to be a key defensive display that helps Newcastle come away with any points at Bramall Lane.

Team News 

Sheffield United 

A hectic winter fixture list can always cause injury issues and Chris Wilder has so far been fortunate with his team’s injury rate. Since their game against Wolves on Sunday there are no fresh injury concerns for the Blades’ boss.

Wilder could choose to rotate his side to keep them fresh legged. David McGoldrick was poor against Wolves and could be swapped for their summer signing, Oliver McBurnie, who has two goals to his name so far.

Elsewhere it seems that the Blades will remain unchanged, as they will likely deploy the 3-5-2 formation in order to try and break down Steve Bruce’s Newcastle.

Newcastle United 

Whilst Wilder has been particularly fortunate with injuries, Steve Bruce hasn’t been.

At the back, captain Jamaal Lascelles remains out with a leg injury and he won’t be available until next year. DeAndre Yedlin is also sidelined for this Thursday’s clash with a hip injury keeping him out of the matchday squad.

In the middle of the park, Allan Saint-Maximin picked up a knock against Manchester City but he is expected to be fit enough to feature if he is not rested. Going forward, Andy Carroll could make the bench as he has been ruled out for some time with a rib injury.

Predicted Starting XIs

Sheffield United (3-5-2): Henderson; Basham, Egan, O’Connell; Baldock, Lundstram, Norwood, Fleck, Stevens; Mousset, Mcgoldrick

Newcastle United (5-4-1): Dubravka; Manquillo, Fernández, Clark, Dummett, Willems; Almirón, Shelvey, Hayden, Saint-Maximin; Joelinton

Prediction: Sheffield United 1- 1 Newcastle United 

If Sheffield go about their business like they have done so far, away from home, it’s difficult to see Newcastle causing the Blades any trouble. But based on their game against City, Bruce’s side looked fired up and could prove to be tough opponents, as they are fighting to avoid nearing the bottom three.

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