Burnley FC vs Sheffield United FC, Premier League 2020-2021, Today Match Prediction

Burnley FC vs Sheffield United FC Match Prediction & Analysis

Burnley and Sheffield United were both on the received end of narrow defeats from their first matches after Christmas Day, with Leeds and Everton beating them 1-0 respectively.

Burnley had enjoyed a good run of form leading up to that match, dragging themselves out of the bottom three and looking as though they would make an assault on the teams situated above them.

Manager Sean Dyche will feel hard done by with the defeat – his side could well have had an equaliser from several of the chances they created, but in truth, they were not as good as in previous matches of late.

Sheffield United, despite keeping the game tight against Everton, suffered the same fate in falling to yet another defeat this season, taking their total to 13 from their 15 matches played.

Despite showing high work rate and a desire to improve, it is now highly unlikely that they can survive even though less than half the season has passed.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Burnley FC Preview

Form Guide (all comps): DWDWL

Reasons to be cheerful:

     Leeds defeat was their only one in five

     Home form has been much better than away

Reasons to be fearful:

     Despite good recent form, only two points above relegation

     Scored joint-lowest number of goals in league

For all of Burnley’s good form recently, securing two wins from their previous five matches, they remain dangerous placed on the edge of the relegation zone. Fulham sit just two points below them after the Cottagers grabbed a point against Southampton.

They were unlucky not to grab a point of their own against Leeds in their last match, which ended 1-0 to the Whites. Sean Dyche’s men had several chances of their own to score and will be frustrated they couldn’t manage it.

Burnley will be pleased that this match comes at home – they have won just a single away game from eight attempts this season, with two coming at home.

With Sheffield United’s dreadful form, Burnley will be confident of a much-needed win.

Star Man – Ashley Barnes

Is starting to find form this season – he scored in their win over Wolves and was desperately unlucky not to have his goal stand against Leeds.

Sheffield United FC Preview

Form Guide (all comps): LLLDL

Reasons to be cheerful

     Came close to earning point against Everton

     Oli McBurnie could return from injury to start

Reasons to be fearful 

     Won just one of last eight matches against Burnley

     Relegation is almost inevitable now

Their match against Everton was similar to many Sheffield United have had this season, one that The Blades managed to keep tight but eventually ended up losing.

The Toffees’ 80th minute winner was enough to see Sheffield United succumb to their 13th defeat from 15 matches this season – by far the worst start to a campaign in Premier League history.

Scoring goals has been a problem for them all season, with just eight recorded – they also have the lowest shot-conversion in the league.

Burnley are unlikely to create masses of chances against United, but can The Blades create any themselves? The writing is very much on the wall now for Chris Wilder’s men – whether that makes confidence even worse, or whether it frees them up to play better, is yet to be seen.

Star Man – David McGoldrick

With five goals this season, he has more than all his teammates combined. Must get more help.