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Football fans hoping for another goalfest as Leeds meet Sheffield Utd
Leeds to win 2-1
Tournament: Premier League 2020-2021 | Venue: South Yorkshire, Bramall Lane
Bet NowWe’re only three weeks into the new season, but Leeds are certainly living up to the hype as The Entertainers built up until Marcelo Bielsa’s management.
Their 4-3 defeat against Liverpool was followed by the same scoreline again as Leeds beat Fulham. Bielsa won’t be all smiles however, as their Championship promotion was actually built off a solid defence.
He will be happy with three points on the board, and he will fancy his chances of three more against a disappointing Sheffield United side.
The Blades have neither a point nor a goal to their name this season, falling to Wolves and Aston Villa. They’re facing up to the dreaded ‘second season syndrome’ after a strong outing last term.
Leeds will fancy their chance of more goals here.
Predicted 2020/21 finish: 18th
Reasons to be cheerful:
Won 8 out of 10 fixtures against newly-promoted sides
Will be desperate to register their first points of the season
Reasons to be fearful:
Lost five successive league fixtures
Leeds are currently scoring goals for fun
These could be worrying times for Sheffield United, judging by their recent form.
Often a promoted team performs ahead of expectations in their first year, before falling away again the following season. Unfortunately, this could end up being the case for Chris Wilder’s Blades.
He won’t be panicking yet – they still have the same squad, mostly, which finished 9th last season. But having registered a league-low 13 shots, not scoring from any of them, they must wonder where their goals are coming from.
Injuries are also mounting for them, with first-choice defender John Egan ruled out, and veteran Phil Jagielka likely to step in. Leeds forwards will be licking their lips at the thought of running at Jagielka’s 38 year old legs.
They desperately need their first points of the season, but may not get them here.
Star Man – Oli McBurnie
Still without a goal this season, last year’s top scorer will be trying harder than ever to get on the scoresheet.
Predicted 2020/21 finish: 13th
Reasons to be cheerful
Fluid team can score goals from anywhere
Manager Bielsa’s style is completely suited to Premier League
Reasons to be fearful
Sheffield United can keep it tight if they play well
Leaky defence will be a concern
The more this season goes on, the more likely Leeds are to leave a lasting impression on the 2020-21 Premier League season.
For a neutral, they’ve been exceptional value, with a total of 14 goals in their two matches so far. They were unlucky not to get something out of their game with Liverpool, before edging out Fulham a week later.
The rate which they are conceding goals will worry their manager, for sure. As the season goes on, and one or two injuries and fatigue starts creeping in, they won’t always be able to rely on their forward play to outscore the opposition.
Having said that, long may the entertainment continue!
With forward players like Bamford, Helder Costa and Klich in the form that they are, this could be a difficult game for Sheffield United, though Leeds may find them harder to break down than their previous opponents.
Star Man – Patrick Bamford
Two goals and an assist so far, their star striker is on form already this season.
Leeds will continue their attractive style of football
More than two goals likely in the game
Sheffield United to grab a goal, but lose the game
Leeds have scored 7 goals in their two matches so far, but will find it more difficult to break down this well-drilled Sheffield United team.
Having said that, defensive injuries mean that Leeds will look to target their second-choice defenders right from the start.
To go three games without a point would be tough for Sheffield United to take, but doing the same without a goal would be even harder. They will be desperate to get on the scoresheet against a Leeds team who have conceded as many as they have scored.
Leeds to win 2-1
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