Manchester United is set to host Sheffield United as they continue their unimaginable charge towards the Premier League triumph. Manchester United are sitting at the summit of the league table with 40 points in 19 games. Their arch-rivals, Manchester City, is just off their shoulders with 38 points in 18 games.
On the other side, Sheffield United is rock-bottom on the table with mere 5 points in 19 games. Chris Wilder’s team had a strong season last year where they finished at the 9th spot with 54 points. But this year, they are finding it hard to grind out results in their favor.
Analysis
Manchester United is unbeaten in the last 13 Premier League games. Paul Pogba’s stunning second-half strike helped them to take all the three points against Fulham in their last league game. They are coming after a confident 3-2 win against Liverpool in the FA cup.
Sheffield United won their first game of the season against Newcastle United recently but failed to gather any momentum as Spurs defeated them 3-1 in their latest Premier League game. In the reverse fixture, which happened in December last year, the Blades scored an early goal to take the lead. But, they failed to keep the strong Man United team out as they lost the game 3-2.
When and Where?
Manchester United will host Sheffield United at Old Trafford in the Premier League fixture on 28th January (01:45 AM IST).
Team News and Expected Line-up
Manchester United
Eric Bailly is expected to replace Victor Lindelof in the starting XI after missing out on the game against Liverpool. Brandon Williams has returned to training on Monday. His inclusion in the side is unlikely. Phil Jones is the only absentee from the squad due to an injury.
Expected Line-up: David De Gea; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Eric Bailly, Harry Maguire, Alex Telles; Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes; Anthony Martial, Mason Greenwood, Edinson Cavani
Sheffield United
Ben Osborn and Ollie McBurnie are doubts about the visit to Old Trafford. John Egan is set to miss the clash due to suspension. Sander Berge and Jack O’Connell won’t play a part as well. They are still nursing their respective injuries.
Expected Line-up: Aaron Ramsdale; Chris Basham, John Egan, Ethan Ampadu; Jayden Bogle, John Lundstram, Oliver Norwood, John Fleck, Enda Stevens; David McGoldrick, Billy Sharp
Head to Head stats: Manchester United vs Sheffield United
Since the start of the Premier League in 1992, Sheffield United has visited Old Trafford 8 times in this competition. Out of these eight meetings, they have drawn only once and lost seven times.
Differentials
Paul Pogba – Manchester United
The French midfielder is in amazing form. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who was benching him in the initial phase of the season, is finding it hard to leave Paul Pogba out of the first XI now. Pogba has performed exceptionally well in the last two months no matter if he was deployed at left-wing, right-wing or central midfield. The Blades will be sitting deep to reduce Man United’s scoring chances. This will give the opportunity to Pogba to shoot from outside of the box, just like he did against Burnley and Fulham.
David McGoldrick – Sheffield United
McGoldrick has scored half of the Premier League goals (5) scored by Sheffield United (10) this season. In the reverse fixture, it was he who scored both of the goals for the Blades. Chris Wilder will be hoping that his main man can step up again and find the back of the net.
The 12TH Man Prediction: Manchester United 2-0 Sheffield United
Manchester United are flying at the top. Liverpool is out of form, like never seen under Jurgen Klopp. Manchester City is without Kevin De Bruyne. Chelsea has their manager sacked this week. This is where the Red Devils have to capitalize and extend their lead upfront. Sheffield United has scored mere 10 goals in 19 games. Thus, it is very hard to see the visitors getting on the score sheet. With the quality Man United possesses, we can predict nothing but a comfortable 2-0 win for the host.
