Verdict: Manchester United to win – yes
Best Odds: 2/5
Bookmaker: 888sport
Both Manchester United and Sheffield United are vying for a 2020-21 UEFA Europa League berth ahead of the upcoming season and, with that in mind, this match will be pivotal for both clubs. The Red Devils have the edge since they’re playing at home, though. Kick-off for this contest has been announced for 18:00 GMT.
Manchester United
Manchester United enter this game following a 1-1 draw at Tottenham last Friday thanks to a late goal from Bruno Fernandes. That stalemate extended United’s undefeated streak in the Premier League to six contests (W3, D3). Their strong form of late can be attributed to the team’s impressive defensive record at Old Trafford, as The Red Devils currently average just 0.8 goals conceded per game at their own turf. The Old Trafford outfit enters this matchup in fifth place of the standings with 46 points, sitting five behind the fourth-placed side, Chelsea. Finishing fourth would give The Red Devils an automatic berth for the 2020-21 UEFA Champions League, but a fifth-place finish would also do the trick if a few things go their way. It’s worth mentioning Manchester United own a W8, D5, L2 mark at home in 2019-20, scoring 29 times and conceding just 12 times.
Team News
Phil Jones and Axel Tuazebe have both been ruled out of this game due to undisclosed injuries.
Complicating things even further, Victor Lindelof has been listed as doubtful. The Swede international will be a game-time decision for the coaching staff.
Sheffield United
The Blades have been the league’s most surprising team this season and are firmly entrenched in the race for a spot in next season’s UEFA Europa League. However, Sheffield are trending in the wrong direction of late. They kicked off their stretch run of the season with a disappointing 3-0 loss at Newcastle, in a game where they looked overmatched while also ending with 10 men. The Blades have gone winless in their last two league matches and, in fact, they have taken the three points in just two of their last five league contests (W2, D2, L1). As a result, Sheffield currently sit in seventh place of the standings with 44 points. They sit two points behind Manchester United, however, so a potential fifth-place finish remains at reach for the Bramall Lane outfit. They can have confidence ahead of this contest since they hold the league’s seventh-best away record with W4, D8, L3.
Team News
Star goalkeeper Dean Henderson won’t play here due to his loan conditions with Manchester United during his current spell at Bramall Lane. John Egan will miss this game as well due to a suspension.
Jack O’Connell is doubtful due to a knock. Just like Lindelof at the other end, he will be a game-time decision for the coaching staff.
Key Factors to Consider
- Manchester United have looked dominant at home of late. They are coming off back-to-back clean-sheet wins in this venue.
- Only Liverpool have dropped fewer Premier League matches on the road than Sheffield (three).
- Tight affair expected? Only seven of Sheffield’s 30 EPL matches this season have ended with over 2.5 total goals.
- Manchester United have conceded just 0.8 goals per match at Old Trafford this season.
- The Red Devils are also undefeated in their last seven H2H matches against Sheffield in all competitions.
Conclusion
Manchester United are favourites ahead of this match. Their home form and the fact Sheffield United will be missing two key players backs them up.
Expect The Red Devils to take advantage of that while taking the three points in their own turf.
Verdict: Manchester United to win – yes
Best Odds: 2/5
Bookmaker: 888sport
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