Manchester City will look to end the year on a high when they host Sheffield United in the Premier League. The two teams will play for the first time since Rodri’s goal in the 88th minute clinched the Citizens’ 2-1 triumph at Bramall Lane at the end of August.
Preview (Manchester City vs. Sheffield United)
After winning the Club World Cup for the first time in their history five days prior, Manchester City triumphed 3-1 over Everton at Goodison Park on Wednesday night to get back to winning ways in the Premier League. Former employee Jack Harrison’s goal in the first half put the Citizens behind 1-0 for the seventh time this season. However, goals in the second half from Phil Foden, Julian Alvarez, and Bernardo Silva helped Pep Guardiola’s team earn maximum points against the Toffees, move back into the top four, and close the gap on leaders Liverpool to just five points.
Man City’s performance took a hit between the end of November and the beginning of December. They have since rebounded, winning five and drawing one of their last six games across all competitions. However, their defense still needs work, as they have given up goals in each of their last eight Premier League games—an unwelcome record since Guardiola took over in 2016. Man City has drawn their previous three Premier League games at the Etihad. They have given up six points from winning positions in the process. Despite this, Guardiola and company will be optimistic about their chances of winning against Sheffield United.
The Citizens have won six of their last seven Premier League encounters against the Blades. They have only dropped their final league game in one of the previous 22 calendar years. Two own goals from Jack Robinson and Anis Ben Slimane turned the game on its head. It condemned the hosts to a 3-2 defeat – their 14th of the season. Sheffield United have just nine points from 19 top-flight games. They are still at the bottom of the table and currently seven points outside of safety at the halfway point.
Team News
Guardiola said that John Stones’ ankle injury “doesn’t look good”. It forced him off the field in the first half of Man City’s victory over Everton on Wednesday. As a result, Stones is a serious worry for Sheffield United’s visit. Erling Haaland (foot) is seemingly out of the picture because Guardiola stated before kickoff in midweek that he is hopeful the striker will return in January. Kevin De Bruyne (hamstring), Jeremy Doku (muscle), and Ruben Dias (illness) were all deemed unfit to travel to Goodison Park and will be evaluated before Saturday.
In center defense, Dias’s possible return might see the Portuguese player start ahead of Stones. Josko Gvardiol will aim to start on the left side of a back four. Matheus Nunes’s position in center midfield might be filled by Rico Lewis or Mateo Kovacic. Bernardo, Foden, and Jack Grealish are behind central striker Alvarez. Tom Davies (thigh), Chris Basham (ankle), Daniel Jebbison (sickness), and John Egan (foot) are the Sheffield United players who are still in the treatment room. Ahmedhodzic and Gustavo Hamer are also out of action for Saturday’s match because of a run of yellow cards.
James McAtee, a Man City loanee, is also not available because he cannot play for his parent club. However, Jayden Bogle is expected to play again following a one-match suspension. If Wilder opts for a five-man defense, Bogle may start at right wing-back, with George Baldock possibly assuming a central defensive role alongside Robinson and Austin Trusty. When Hamer is not available, Wilder might start Oliver Norwood in a three-man midfield with Vincecious Souza, André Brooks, and Cameron Archer, with McBurnie combining for the attack.
Manchester City 3-0 Sheffield United
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