Sheffield United will look to cause a massive upset as they host Manchester City in the Premier League. In gameweek two, the Blades were defeated 2-1 by Nottingham Forest, while Pep Guardiola’s team kept their spotless record intact by defeating Newcastle United 1-0.
Preview (Sheffield United vs. Manchester City)
After losing to Crystal Palace, Sheffield United was in desperate need of some attacking energy. When Nottingham Forest visited the city two Fridays ago, new acquisition Gustavo Hamer provided it. The Dutchman’s miraculous goal ultimately proved to be ineffective. Three minutes into the game, Taiwo Awoniyi assisted on a cross from Serge Aurier to give Forest the lead. Hamer then equalized for the Blades with a beautiful long-range shot. Chris Wood headed in the game-winning goal in the 89th minute.
Paul Heckingbottom’s team, who have conceded all three of their Premier League goals so far in the 2023–24 season to crosses into the box, could use a few more lessons in cross defense. As a result, they now sit 16th in the preliminary rankings. After approving the departures of Iliman Ndiaye and Sander Berge earlier this month, the Blades now appear to be fighting an uphill battle to stay afloat in the top flight.
Sheffield United, including friendlies, have now lost five of their previous six games, scoring just two goals in the process. The Blades supporters will be going to Bramall Lane on Sunday with little hope rather than expectation. When Newcastle came to the Etihad Stadium last Saturday, Phil Foden assumed the role of Man City’s creator-in-chief because the injured Kevin De Bruyne was once again in the medical center with a serious hamstring injury. The England international’s brilliant performance was crucial in breaking down the resolute Magpies backline.
Man City needed just one goal to defeat Eddie Howe’s team last season. They were still suffering from a European hangover following their spectacular UEFA Super Cup exploits. With just over 30 minutes remaining, Foden found Julian Alvarez, who fired a beautiful strike into the far corner. For the first time since December 2021, the team is now attempting to record three straight Premier League clean sheets.
Team News
John Fleck (leg), Rhian Brewster (thigh), Ismaila Coulibaly (knee), Daniel Jebbison (groin), Jayden Bogle (knee), Anis Ben Slimane (thigh), and Rhys Norrington-Davies (thigh) are already absent, but George Baldock (calf) and Oli McBurnie (foot) are back on the practice field. Yasser Larouci is an option to replace the indecisive Lowe on the left side. Tom Davies, an ex-Everton player, may make his first start for the Blades since joining on a free transfer. Doku will be able to play here for Man City for the first time.
At Bramall Lane, Silva’s anticipated return to the right wing may force Foden to the left. It will push Jack Grealish to the bench. Meanwhile, De Bruyne, who injured his hamstring, is joined in the medical room by John Stones. His thigh injury will keep him out until after the international break. All 11 of Guardiola’s starting last weekend against Newcastle finished the full 90 minutes despite their exertions in Piraeus, and a nearly identical lineup would see James McAtee warming the bench against the team he helped get back into the Premier League the previous season. Guardiola will be replaced by assistant head coach Juanma Lillo on the sidelines. He will miss City’s next two games due to a back operation.
Man City may not have given the Etihad faithful a great display against Newcastle, but at Bramall Lane, where Sheffield United may only be concerned with maintaining a respectable score, the goals should come easily. Guardiola’s defense should have a reasonably stress-free afternoon as the champions make it nine points from nine in style because of the hosts’ well-known deficiencies in the final third.
Sheffield United 1 – 3 Manchester City
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