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

Manchester United FC vs Sheffield United FC Match Prediction & Analysis

So, it’s that time of the season when top of the league meets bottom with Manchester United and Sheffield United experiencing two very different campaigns so far.

For the side from Manchester, their great form keeps continuing. Last week, they beat another relegation candidate Fulham in a close contest which helped retain their top spot over City for the time being.

Their confidence will have been high already, but add to that the win over Liverpool in the FA Cup at the weekend and you have a side at the very peak of their powers right now.

Sheffield United are in every way the opposite of their opponents. Rooted to the floor of the table, the Yorkshire club have amassed a mere five points from 19 matches, although their sole win did come recently over Newcastle.

There are rarely matches more one-sided on paper than this one.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Manchester United FC Preview

Form Guide (all comps): WWDWW

Reasons to be cheerful:

     Cup win over Liverpool will have the squad in high spirits

     Have won their last seven meetings against Sheffield United

Reasons to be fearful:

     Rashford may not be risked after taking a knock against Liverpool

     Have only won their last four matches by a single goal margin

This game could present manager Solskjaer with the opportunity to rotate one or two members of his squad, especially in midfield with the likes of McTominay, Pogba and Fernandes having played plenty of minutes recently.

They certainly won’t take it easy, that’s for sure. Despite their opponents being rooted to the foot of the table, they gave them a stern test a month ago in the reverse fixture, United narrowly edging a 3-2 thriller.

In fact, the Red Devils’ last four wins have come by just a single goal margin, proving they are having to grind teams down before grabbing a winner later on in matches.

They could start this game in 2nd, as City play 24 hours earlier and will take the top spot with a win. This should provide United with the incentive they need to rise to the occasion.

Star Man – Bruno Fernandes

Is likely to be restored to the starting XI after being rested for 66 minutes at the weekend. Has more goal involvements (45) than anyone else since signing for United a year ago.

Sheffield United FC Preview

Form Guide (all comps): LWWLW

Reasons to be cheerful:

     Three wins from last five should boost confidence

     Gave United a great game a month ago

Reasons to be fearful:

     Back-to-back games against Manchester United and City is as tough as it gets

     Could be without up to six injured players here

Sheffield United face a dreadful run of fixtures over the next few weeks, with both Manchester sides, Chelsea and Liverpool all aiming to take three points off The Blades before the end of February.

United have taken a mere five points from the 57 available to them and are heavy favourites to face relegation at the end of the season. 

Having said that, they have won three of their last four matches, albeit with two of those coming against lesser sides in the FA Cup. They also gave Man United a run for their money in their last meeting in December, a thrilling game which ended 3-2.

The Blades will have to do without several key players here, among them McBurnie and Robinson. Lys Mousset is also a doubt.

Star Man – David McGoldrick

Scored twice in their 3-2 loss in December and grabbed a goal in his last league match against Spurs.