- Date & Time: Saturday April 20, 15:00 BST
- Venue: Bramall Lane, Sheffield
- Teams: Sheffield United vs Burnley
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Bramall Lane hosts basement battle
The chances of either Sheffield United or Burnley staying up appear to be fairly bleak. If either side are to be playing Premier League football next season they are going to need to go on a serious run of results. This fixture is vital and could kickstart a revival for either team should they win, while virtually condemning their opponent to the Championship.
Sheffield United
Sheffield United’s recent struggles in the Premier League are evident, despite their hard-fought points against Bournemouth, Fulham, and Chelsea. The own goal by Oliver Arblaster in their last match against Brentford was particularly painful, adding to their woes. Manager Chris Wilder acknowledged the tight contest but lamented his team’s lack of cutting edge and their record-breaking 84 goals conceded this season, the highest in Premier League history at this stage.
With a 10-point gap to safety and daunting fixtures against Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur looming, Sheffield United’s chances of avoiding relegation seem slim. Their defensive frailties, especially evident in their recent home games, add to the challenge. Yet, every point is crucial, and they must find a way to tighten up at the back while being more clinical in attack if they harbour any hopes of staging a miraculous escape from relegation.
Jayden Bogle and Jack Robinson are both doubtful with ankle injuries. Daniel Jebbison (illness), Rhian Brewster (hamstring), Tom Davies (thigh), George Baldock (calf), John Egan (ankle), Chris Basham (ankle), Rhys Norrington-Davies (hamstring) and Max Lowe (ankle) are all set to miss out.
18-year-old Sam Curtis looks set to start in the absence of Bogle and Robinson.
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Burnley
Vincent Kompany’s absence on the sidelines due to a touchline ban during Burnley’s clash with Brighton saw assistant manager Craig Bellamy unexpectedly steal the spotlight with his comical denial of rainbows. However, the laughter quickly faded as Burnley suffered another setback when goalkeeper Arijanet Muric’s blunder allowed Brighton to snatch a draw, adding to his recent string of costly errors.
Despite this disappointment, Burnley have shown signs of resilience, having avoided defeat in five of their last six matches. However, their struggle to hold onto leads, as evidenced by dropping 24 points from winning positions this season, remains a pressing issue. The team’s inability to secure a clean sheet in 2024 adds to their defensive woes, highlighting the need for improvement in that area.
While there have been bright spots, such as their emphatic victory over Sheffield United, Burnley’s inconsistency and defensive frailty continue to hinder their progress in the Premier League. Addressing these issues will be crucial for Kompany’s side to turn their fortunes around and secure their place in the top flight.
Luca Koleosho (knee), Aaron Ramsey (knee) and Nathan Redmond (thigh) are unavailable. Hjalmar Ekdal looks set to miss out and could be replaced by the returning Dara O’Shea. Ameen Al-Dakhil (unspecified) and Jordan Beyer (thigh) are doubtful.
Sheffield United vs Burnley Odds
These are the live odds for the match.
Bramall Lane, Sheffield
Prediction
Three of the Blades’ last six matches have been score draws. Burnley have drawn four of their last six matches. Both sides have been vulnerable at the back all season and on Saturday a draw is of little use to either. Therefore both have to go for the win. We predict a score draw, which will probably mean Championship football for both next season, but will provide an entertaining spectacle for the neutral and a potential opportunity for bettors. We think it might be worth betting on +3.5 goals.
Tip: BTTS, +3.5 goals
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