MX23RW : Wednesday, November 6 01:37:32| >> :600:152511:152511:
[monks data]
Attendance: 30,409
Sheffield United logo
Premier League | Gameweek 15
Dec 5, 2019 at 7.30pm UK
 
Newcastle logo

0-2

FT(HT: 0-1)
Saint-Maximin (15'), Shelvey (70')

Preview: Sheffield United vs. Newcastle United - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Sheffield United's meeting with Newcastle United in the Premier League, including a prediction, team news and predicted lineups.

Sheffield United will be expected to claim three points when they meet Newcastle United at Bramall Lane in the Premier League on Thursday.

Chris Wilder's men find themselves in seventh place after 14 games following a stellar start to life in the top flight, while Newcastle are struggling for consistency under Steve Bruce.


Match preview

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder gestures on November 9, 2019© Reuters

Much like Wolverhampton Wanderers last season, the Blades have taken to this division as if they were Premier League regulars.

Under the close watch of Wilder, the Yorkshire side have played with a relentless level of discipline and energy since August, moving as one unit all across the pitch.

That they have only suffered three defeats - all of them at home - so far this term, which is fewer than Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, is a testament to the strong tactical foundation on which this team is built.

Moreover, there is a real sense of maturity and spirit in this team, as seen through how they dominated United for 70 minutes last month and then hit back ferociously after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side scored three goals out of nowhere.

Should Newcastle claim all three points on Saturday, it would arguably be on level footing with their away victory over Spurs in August. That fact alone demonstrates the lofty standards set by Wilder's men after just 14 games in the Premier League.

Jonjo Shelvey celebrates his late equaliser for Newcastle on November 30, 2019© Reuters

While their opponents have played with remarkable consistency this term, there remains an acute sense of unpredictability about this Newcastle side.

As seen through last weekend's 2-2 draw with Manchester City, during which the Magpies came back twice from a goal down, this is a team capable of playing with serious intensity and organisation.

But then there are other times, like a recent 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa or a five-goal drubbing by Leicester City in August, when Bruce's side can seem rather listless, devoid of purpose.

What this comes down to is the fact that Newcastle have once again pushed the reset button over the summer following Rafa Benitez's departure, while Wilder has been in charge of his side for three years now.

It will be fascinating to compare the rhythm and tone of the performances from both sides when they meet in front of an expectant Bramall Lane crowd under the lights on Thursday.

Recent Sheffield United form: WDWDDD
Recent Newcastle United form: LDWWLD


Team News

Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles goes down injured against Bournemouth in November 2019© Reuters

The home side are blessed by the fact that they have no injury concerns, with Wilder set to partner new signings Lys Mousset and Oli McBurnie up front after both players netted crucial goals over the past two games.

Newcastle, on the other hand, continue to be without captain Jamaal Lascelles, who is set to be sidelined until after Christmas.

Matt Ritchie will not return until the new year, while Florian Lejeune is a serious doubt for this upcoming game.

Andy Carroll, DeAndre Yedlin and Allan Saint-Maximin are all doubts as well but have slightly better chances of recovering in time for the meeting with Sheffield.

Sheffield United possible starting lineup:
Henderson; Basham, Egan, O'Connell; Baldock, Freeman, Norwood, Fleck, Stevens; McBurnie, Mousset

Newcastle United possible starting lineup:
Dubravka; Manquillo, Fernandez, Clark, Dummett, Willems; Almiron, Hayden, Shelvey, Atsu; Joelinton


Sports Mole Logo

We say: Sheffield United 1-0 Newcastle United

In what promises to be a tight affair played between two teams who will look to counter each other, penetrating any space left in behind and relying on set pieces, expect the home side, now unbeaten in seven games, to have just enough to edge this one in their favour.



ID:381560: cacheID:381560:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:8433:No Data Analysis info

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!


Restore Data
Share this article now:
Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce gestures on September 21, 2019
Read Next:
Steve Bruce vows to keep faith with "terrific" front three
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Sunderland139222391429
2Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd149321871128
3Leeds UnitedLeeds137512281426
4Burnley136521761123
5Watford147162222022
6West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom13562148621
7Middlesbrough146351816221
8Millwall135441612419
9Blackburn RoversBlackburn135441614219
10Swansea CitySwansea14545119219
11Bristol City144731819-119
12Norwich CityNorwich144642320318
13Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds145361724-718
14Oxford UnitedOxford Utd144551717017
15Coventry CityCoventry134361717015
16Derby CountyDerby134361617-115
17Stoke CityStoke134361518-315
18Hull City143651518-315
19Cardiff CityCardiff134361319-615
20Plymouth ArgylePlymouth144371425-1115
21Preston North EndPreston133551420-614
22Luton TownLuton133371521-612
23Queens Park RangersQPR141761223-1110
24Portsmouth141671327-149


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!