Newcastle United
Sheffield United FC
Sheffield United FC
Newcastle and Sheffield United clash in late-season meeting with both struggling form form
Newcastle to win 1-0
In a game which has little riding on it, with Sheffield United relegated and Newcastle safe, both sides will be hoping for a win to help them end the season positively.
Newcastle were involved in a late-season thriller in their last game, losing 4-3 to champions Manchester City, while Sheffield United caused a surprise of their own by beating 8th place Everton in what was only their sixth victory of the season.
The Magpies earned their safety on the back of a solid run of form over the past month or so which saw them win three games out of five. Their only defeats in that period have come against Arsenal and Manchester City, so their confidence won’t have taken too much of a beating.
Sheffield United have been largely awful since their relegation was officially confirmed, although have won two of their last five, adding Brighton and Everton to their small list of victims.
Form Guide (all comps): WDLWL
Reasons to be cheerful:
Only defeats recently have come against Big Six opposition
Continuing to score goals despite Callum Wilson’s absence
Reasons to be fearful:
Conceded six goals in the last two games
Lost their last two home games
Newcastle fans have witnessed quite the goals fest over the past couple of matches, with their team scoring seven and conceding six.
They were also involved in a five goal thriller against West Ham and shared four goals with Spurs during a recent spell of form which has led them to Premier League safety.
Top scorer Callum Wilson will be out for the remainder of the season, but it will have been encouraging to see three others score against Man City in their last game.
Can they continue this rich vein of scoring here?
Star Man – Joe Willock
Became the youngest player to score in five consecutive appearances at the weekend. The lad clearly has a big future ahead of him.
Form Guide (all comps): LWLLW
Reasons to be cheerful:
Two wins in five represents good form for the Blades
Beat Newcastle earlier in the season
Reasons to be fearful:
Haven’t won back-to-back games all season
Just one goal scored from their last three
Unlike their opponents, Sheffield United are a team not in great scoring form right now, with just one goal netted from their last three games, and two from their last six.
This current run of form has been one of the better moments this season, however. With wins over Brighton and Everton in recent weeks, the Blades have shown signs that they can do well in the Championship next season and potentially earn a promotion back to the Premier League.
One of their six wins this season was indeed against Newcastle, their first of the season after 18 games, although it was far too little too late for the Blades by that stage.
Sheffield United have the worst away record in the league, with their one win come away to Manchester United.
Star Man – Daniel Jebbison
Became the youngest player to score a winning PL goal since Federico Macheda 12 years ago. At 17, he has plenty of potential.
Newcastle to continue their scoring form
Can Sheffield United improve going forward?
Could be a tight game
Understandably, Sheffield United haven’t been favourites going into any games this season, especially since having their relegation confirmed.
They’ve picked up a couple of wins in that time, however, proving that they’re a tricky side to predict.
Their downside is that they don’t score too many goals, while Newcastle are in good form in front of goal right now.
For this reason, Newcastle are favourites to claim three points.
Newcastle to win 1-0
