Burnley vs Sheffield United
Premier League
Saturday
2nd December 2023
Turf Moor
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the Premier League fixture between Burnley and Sheffield United.
Burnley vs Sheffield United: Preview
Burnley form analysis
The Clarets have struggled for form recently, with four defeats and one draw from their last five matches. Their woes began with a 3-0 thrashing away at Brentford on October 21st, failing to bounce back as they lost 2-1 at relegation rivals Bournemouth despite Connor Taylor’s early opener. Things went from bad to worse on November 4th as Burnley were beaten 2-0 at home by Crystal Palace, before a 3-1 defeat away at high-flying Arsenal on November 11th – despite briefly levelling through Josh Brownhill.
Most recently on November 25th, Burnley suffered late heartbreak as they conceded twice in the last five minutes to lose 2-1 at home against West Ham – Jay Rodriguez’s penalty overturned by Declan O’Shea’s own goal and Tomas Soucek’s last-gasp winner. Burnley have struggled defensively, keeping just one clean sheet and conceding three goals on three occasions during this poor run. In attack, striker Rodriguez has been isolated at times, with Vincent Kompany’s side lacking creativity in midfield. As they hover just above the relegation zone, Burnley need to tighten up at the back and give Rodriguez more support if they are to turn their form around.
Sheffield United form analysis
Sheffield United’s recent form has been inconsistent. On October 22nd, they lost 2-1 at home to Manchester United despite Oliver McBurnie’s penalty levelling things briefly. This was followed by a heavy 5-0 home defeat to Arsenal on October 28th. However, the Blades responded on November 4th by beating Wolves 2-1, coming from behind after late goals from on-loan striker Conor Archer and Oliver Norwood’s stoppage time penalty. On November 12th Sheffield United then secured an impressive 1-1 away draw at Brighton, aided by an own goal from Adam Webster which cancelled out Simon Adingra’s early opener.
They were unable to build on that platform, suffering a 3-1 home loss to Bournemouth on November 25th. The Blades fell 3-0 behind after goals from Marcus Tavernier (2) and Justin Kluivert, before McBurnie’s late consolation. Overall United have struggled defensively. Keeping just one clean sheet during this run, while over-reliance on veteran striker McBurnie remains an issue. With the league’s joint-worst defensive record, tightening up at the back is crucial if the promoted side are to avoid relegation this season.
