Verdict: Manchester City win to nil
Best Odds: 21/20
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Looking to make it three Premier League victories on the bounce this weekend, Manchester City will travel to Bramall Lane on Sunday afternoon when they meet Sheffield United.
Sheffield United
Starting with the hosts, while Sheffield United might have gained a string of praise last season as they stormed their way to a Premier League return, the Blades have struggled to find any kind of top-flight stability this time around. Opening the 2023/24 campaign with a toothless display at Bramall Lane as they slumped to a 1-0 loss at the hands of Crystal Palace, Paul Heckingbottom’s side find themselves tipped as a standout contender to be hit with an immediate Championship return this season. Suffering last-gasp heartbreak away at Nottingham Forest last weekend as they suffered a 2-1 defeat, Sunday’s hosts will be more than aware that they face a monumental challenge here. Likewise, failing to pick up any momentum during their pre-season preparations after mustering just a single victory from any of their final four friendly showdowns, Heckingbottom’s men are rightfully seen as a landslide underdog this weekend.
Team News
Dealing with what has been a stacked injury list since making their Premier League return, Sheffield United will once again be without the like of Ollie McBurnie, John Fleck, Rhian Brewster, Daniel Jebbison and Jayden Bogle.
Bagging his first top-flight strike away at Nottingham Forest last weekend after making the move from Coventry this summer, Gustavo Hamer will lead United’s charge in the final third.
Manchester City
As for the visitors, coming past what was a major test last weekend as they landed a 1-0 win at home against Newcastle, Manchester City will certainly be smelling the chance to make another statement here. Opening up the 2023/24 campaign with what was a routine 3-0 victory away at Premier League returners Burnley, Pep Guardiola’s men are seen as a standout contender to make even more domestic history this season. Getting their hands on a maiden Champions League trophy back in June, the Sky Blues should find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. One of just three Premier League clubs alongside Arsenal and Brighton that can boast a 100% start to the new season, City also hold a fearsome reputation while away from the Etihad. Crowned Super Cup champions last week after edging their way past Sevilla, Guardiola’s men have also lost just one of their last 10 Premier League appearances on the road.
Team News
Both missing out last weekend, Manchester City will once again be unable to call upon Kevin De Bruyne and John Stones on Sunday afternoon. However, Guardiola’s side are hopeful that Bernardo Silva will be able to make a full return here after overcoming an illness.
Bagging the winner against Newcastle last weekend, 23-year-ld Julian Alvarez will once again partner Erling Haaland in the final third. Making the move from Chelsea this summer, Mateo Kovacic will partner Rodri in the heart of City’s midfield.
Key Factors to Consider
- When the two sides last met back on April 22nd for an FA Cup showdown, Manchester City picked up a 3-0 romp at the Etihad.
- Likewise, the Sky Blues have won each of their last five meetings against Sheffield United by an aggregate score of 8-0.
- The Blades have drawn a blank in seven of their last eight meetings against Sunday’s guests.
- Continuing on from last season, Manchester City have lost just one of their last 10 Premier League contests on the road.
- Opening the 2023/24 campaign with a brace against Burnley on August 11th, Erling Haaland bagged 36 goals in his 35 Premier League appearances last season.
Conclusion
One of just three Premier League clubs that can boast a 100% start to the new season, Manchester City will rightfully be smelling the chance to make another statement here. Picking up a rugged 1-0 victory against a high-flying Newcastle last weekend, the Sky Blues will also be excited by a rampant record against Sunday’s hosts. Landing a routine 3-0 victory when they welcomed the Premier League returners to town for an FA Cup showdown on April 22nd, it should be noted that Guardiola’s side have won each of their last five meetings by an aggregate score of 8-0. Two sides who are expected to be battling it out at opposite ends of the table this season, we are backing another routine away win this weekend.
Verdict: Manchester City win to nil
Best Odds: 21/20
Bookmaker: Dachbet
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