Sheffield United vs Manchester City - Premier League Preview and Odds

Published on: 21/01/2020

Sheffield United vs Manchester City - Premier League Preview and Odds

January 21, 2020 19:30pm - Bramall Lane (Sheffield)

Premier League

Sheffield United will continue their unlikely push for a European place when they welcome reigning Premier League champions, Manchester City, to Bramall Lane on Tuesday night.

The Blades have defied all expectations of a newly promoted side by remaining in the top half of the table and pushing the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur for a place in the top six. Not only have they over-achieved but they have done it in style playing a dynamic brand of football backed by a strong work ethic.

The Yorkshire side are almost certain to avoid relegation and can concentrate on finishing as high up the table as possible. Their path is reminiscent of that of Wolverhampton Wanderers who finished seventh last season in their first campaign back in the top flight following a six.year absence.

After three defeats in their first four Premier League home games, Chris Wilder`s men have lost just one of their last seven, winning three and drawing the other two. That defeat came at the hand of Newcastle United. Their biggest scalp at home was Arsenal who fell by a single goal at Bramall Lane, while Manchester United had to be content with a point after a 3-3 draw.

Meanwhile, Manchester City will be looking to complete the double over the Yorkshire side after beating them 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium at the end of December.

Pep Guardiola admitted that they are now playing for second place in the league after Liverpool opened up a 16-point lead with a game in hand. Their only realistic challengers are Leicester City who are just three points back.

They come into this game on the back of a 2-2 draw at home to Crystal Palace that may have dented their confidence a little after they gave Aston Villa a 6-1 thumping at Villa Park the week before. It is this inconsistency that may have cost them their crown this season. With the league title now almost certainly out of reach, they may turn their attention to the Champions League, the one trophy that has eluded them in their recent glory years.

Predicted line-ups:

Sheffield United: Henderson Basham, Egan, O`Connell Baldock, Lundstram, Norwood, Fleck, Stevens Mousset, McBurnie

Manchester City: Ederson Walker, Otamendi, Fernandinho, Angelino De Bruyne, Rodri, Foden Mahrez, Jesus, Bernardo

Recent Form (League)

Sheffield United: DWLLD

Manchester City: DWWWL

Betting odds and tips

Three away defeats and a draw at Newcastle United have shown that the Sky Blues are not as dominant this season. The absence of Vincent Kompany is being felt more than ever as the club has drifted out of the title race and are being chased for second place by Leicester City.

Sheffield United have found some form at home and they come into this on the back of a 1-1 draw at Arsenal. They were lucky not to earn a point from their home match with Liverpool earlier in the campaign. As a result, the draw looks reasonable value at 4/1.

You can back the Draw at 4/1.

By Neil Morris