Verdict: Sheffield United win
Best Odds: 4/6
Bookmaker: Bet365
Handed the chance to potentially move within touching distance of the top-four, Sheffield United will welcome Bournemouth to Bramall Lane on Sunday afternoon.
Sheffield United
Starting with the hosts, putting in what was a rugged display and landing a 1-0 win away at Crystal Palace last weekend, Sheffield United have cemented their spot as the Premier League’s surprise package this season. Along with booking their spot in fifth round of this year’s FA Cup away at Championship outfit Millwall last month, Chris Wilder’s men open the weekend fixtures as high as sixth and suddenly have a stunning European finish on their agenda. With a close-fought 1-0 loss against defending champions Manchester City their only defeat since the 2nd of January, the Blades also have a growing reputation for their performances on home soil. With just a sole defeat at Bramall Lane over the past two months, Wilder’s men have also snatched points off of Manchester United and Arsenal in Sheffield this season. Also recording back-to-back clean sheets, it should also be noted that only league leaders Liverpool (15) have conceded fewer goals in the Premier League this season than Sunday’s hosts.
Team News
Sheffield United’s David McGoldrick might feature, having returned to training after missing the last four games with a foot injury.
Club record signing Sander Berge could make his home debut.
Bournemouth
As for the visitors, picking up what could be a crucial three points thanks to a 2-1 win over fellow strugglers Aston Villa last weekend, Bournemouth have now landed back-to-back victories and have found a route out of the drop zone. However, still sat just two points adrift of safety, there is no doubt that Head Coach Eddie Howe will be desperate for his side to find some drastic improvements away from the Vitality. Including being hit by what was an embarrassing 4-0 hammering away at leading relegation contenders West Ham on New Year’s Day, the Cherries have lost their last three matches away from the South Coast and have recorded just a sole Premier League away win since the 20th of September. With that run also highlighted by a shock 1-0 defeat away at rock-bottom Norwich last month, Howe will also be looking for his side to make some much-needed alterations at the back. Bournemouth have recorded just a sole Premier League clean sheet since the end of October.
Team News
Bournemouth’s Joshua King and Jack Stacey are being assessed but could play for the first time in 2020 after hamstring injuries.
Jefferson Lerma is suspended as a result of his sending off against Aston Villa last weekend.
Key Factors to Consider
- When the two sides faced off earlier in the season, Sheffield United and Bournemouth played out a 1-1 draw.
- However, Bournemouth have lost their last three matches on the road and have recorded just a sole Premier League away victory since the 20th of September.
- Sheffield United have lost just one of their last five matches at Bramall Lane across all formats.
- Only league leaders Liverpool (15) have conceded fewer goals in the Premier League this season than Sunday’s hosts.
- Six of Bournemouth’s last seven matches across all competitions have seen over 2.5 goals at full-time.
Conclusion
While Bournemouth might have found some much-needed form on home soil, it is hard to overlook the Cherries’ continued issues on the road. With Sheffield United continuing on what is quickly becoming a famous campaign at Bramall Lane, there is no doubt that Chris Wilder’s men should see Sunday as a golden opportunity to make another statement. With a growing reputation for their rugged displays on home soil, we’re backing another victory for the Blades this weekend.
Verdict: Sheffield United win
Best Odds: 4/6
Bookmaker: Bet365
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