Prediction: Sheffield United vs Tottenham

Prediction: Tottenham win

Best Odds: 8/13

Bookmaker: 888sport

As millions around the world continue to deal with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, one slice of normality has remained the same – sport. We’re now in a new year and that means we’re going to be experiencing a whole lost of games coming at us thick and fast between now and May, which is especially true in the English Premier League. Today, we’re going to take a look at a game between two clubs with very different ambitions at this stage of the campaign – Sheffield United and Tottenham Hotspur.

Sheffield United

The confidence boost of the Blades getting that win over Newcastle simply cannot be understated but in equal measure, they’ve still got a whole lot of work left to do. They’ll need to show the form of a team pushing for Europe if they are serious about surviving in the Premier League beyond this season, and while simply edging above Derby’s record low of 11 points will be a morale victory for their fans, it may not be enough to prevent Chris Wilder losing his job if they get relegated.

Team News

Sharp is expected to feature, potentially from the start, after his winner against the Magpies. Elsewhere the following players have been ruled out through injury: O’Connell, Berge, Robinson and McBurnie.

Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur are no longer being viewed as title contenders in what can only be described as a dramatic fall from grace in the last few weeks. It’s not quite as extreme as the situation going on at Chelsea or Arsenal, which they should be grateful for, but there just doesn’t seem to be any real inspiration behind their style of play. Perhaps that’ll change as the season goes on, but based on what we know about Jose Mourinho, that doesn’t seem likely.

Team News

Bergwijn will be assessed before the game after missing the game against Fulham, opening the door for a potential start for Moura. The only other injury absence is Lo Celso who misses out courtesy of a thigh problem.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting back in July, Sheff United beat Tottenham 3-1.
• Sheff United have won two, drawn one and lost three of their last six games.
• Tottenham have won four and drawn two of their last six games.
• Sheff United have scored five goals and conceded seven in their last six games.
• Tottenham have scored 15 goals and conceded three in their last six games.

Conclusion

The Blades are coming into this with some real confidence behind them and so they should, but Jose should know and understand what he needs to do in order to neutralise them as a threat. We’re expecting Spurs to grind out the win here in a way that isn’t going to be pretty, but in a way that will certainly get them right back into the hunt for a place in the top four. It’s going to be dramatic, but it probably isn’t going to be good on the eye for either side – especially Tottenham.

Prediction: Tottenham win

Best Odds: 8/13

Bookmaker: 888sport