- Date: Tuesday December 26 – 15:00 GMT
- Location: Bramall Lane, Sheffield, England
- Teams: Sheffield United vs Luton Town
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Blades host Luton in bottom of the table clash
The three newly promoted sides look the most likely teams to be relegated as we approach the halfway point in the season, making Luton’s trip to Sheffield United on Boxing Day a vital game at the bottom of the table.
Sheffield United
United have had a difficult return to the top-flight, not helped by off the field issues. Paul Heckingbottom worked wonders to get the Blades promoted last season, despite a transfer embargo. The close season saw the loss of some players who had been vital to the promotion club with little in the way of replacements. Heckingbottom paid the price for some heavy defeats with a 5-0 reverse at fellow strugglers Burnley being the final straw. Former boss Chris Wilder replaced him and his return to the Bramall Lane dugout has seen a slight improvement in performances. It still looks a tough ask to stay up and if this is to be a realistic aim then this is a match where they need three points.
After picking up his fifth booking of the season in the draw against Aston Villa, Jayden Bogle will miss out with suspension. a
Chris Basham (ankle) and John Egan (foot) are out but Wilder will be hoping that Anel Ahmedhodzic is fit to return.
Luton Town
Luton, an established top division side in the 1980s were relegated from England´s top division in 1992, just before the launch of the Premier League. They then went on to crash out of the football league. However, their resurgence has been remarkable. A return to the football league then saw a charge up the divisions which resulted in promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs.
The Hatters were big favourites to go down at the start of the season, however, after a difficult start they are looking the most likely of the three promoted sides to survive. Rob Edwards gets his team playing to their strengths and their direct approach has seen some notable results. Whether it will be enough to stay up, despite Everton’s 10 point deduction, remains to be seen, but they arrive at the halfway point with a fighting chance. It is an away trip where they will feel they are capable of claiming all three points and while it may not quite be a must win game it is one which they can ill afford to lose.
Luton Town captain Tom Lockyer should again be replaced by Gabriel Osho, as he continues to recover from suffering cardiac arrest against Bournemouth. Reece Burke and Dan Potts both miss out with thigh injuries. Marvelous Nakamba is back in contention following a one-match suspension.
Prediction
There is a lot at stake for both sides. Until Wilder’s return I had this down as an away win. It will be a nervous affair and I have a feeling it will end level. Score draw.
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