Sheffield United vs Manchester United predictions for Saturday’s Premier League affair at Bramall Lane. Can the Blades get off the mark with a win over Red Devils, who have had a disappointing start or will be defeated again? Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Match Live Saturday, 21st October at 9:00 pm In:
Sheffield United vs Manchester United Predictions
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The Rumble at Bramall Lane
Key Stats
– Scott McTominay has scored in the last two games for Manchester United.
– This match-up witnesses the worst start for Manchester United in 34 years.
Bramall Lane is set for a Premier League showdown this Saturday, where Manchester United aim for a second successive victory. The Blades, struggling at the bottom, have yet to celebrate a win, while the Red Devils, surprisingly in the mid-table, are striving to close the gap from the top four.
The Tale of Two Clubs:
Sheffield United’s Plight: Having been promoted from the Championship, Sheffield’s return to the Premier League has been less than stellar. Their solitary point from eight games paints a grim picture. Their recent 3-1 loss against Fulham added to the woes, especially with Chris Basham’s unfortunate injury, which is a considerable blow. Despite these statistics, manager Paul Heckingbottom encourages his players to see this as an opportunity. However, defensive solidity is a dire need for Sheffield. With a staggering 22 goals conceded in eight games, the team needs a turnaround in form.
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Manchester United’s Mixed Fortunes: On the other end, Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United haven’t fared exceptionally well either. Despite a rich history, the club is undergoing its worst start in 34 years. Their recent 2-1 win against Brentford, thanks to a heroic Scott McTominay, offers some hope. Amidst boardroom dramas, with Sheikh Jassim’s bid withdrawal and Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s increasing involvement, the team needs to focus on the pitch. Especially away, where they’ve faltered against big names but found success against newly promoted Burnley.
Key Player Matchups:
The loss of Basham is a challenge for Sheffield. The defence will lean on Jack Robinson, Anel Ahmedhodzic, and Auston Trusty to guard the fort, while the likes of Luke Thomas and Jayden Bogle will play crucial roles on the wings. The midfield battle is enticing. Manchester City loanee, James McAtee, with an impressive rating of 7.43, might clash with Manchester’s McTominay, who’s in prime form.
For the Red Devils, with Casemiro, Luke Shaw, and Jadon Sancho unavailable, the limelight is on Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, and Rasmus Hojlund. All three, fresh from their international exploits, are expected to be key in United’s attacking endeavours.
Battle Zones and Tactical Analysis:
Sheffield’s defence remains their Achilles heel. Manchester United, known for their flair, will likely target this area. Expect a tussle in the midfield, where Sheffield’s Norwood, with an average rating of 6.87, will challenge United’s dynamic midfielders. Key duels between Sheffield’s forwards, like McBurnie and Archer, against United’s defence will decide the game’s outcome.
Both teams have contrasting styles. Sheffield, with a ball possession of 38.5%, will likely sit deep, while Manchester United will dictate the tempo, exploiting spaces and targeting Sheffield’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Opinion and Critiques:
Sheffield United: Pros: Despite their position, Sheffield’s attacking stats reveal potential. With a 6.68 average rating and players like Hamer and Archer showing promise, they might surprise United. Cons: Their defence. Conceding 22 goals in eight matches is concerning. Heckingbottom must address this immediately.
Manchester United: Pros: Their attacking prowess, with players like Rashford and Fernandes, can threaten any defence. Cons: Inconsistency. Their fluctuating form, especially away, is a significant concern for ten Hag.
Managerial Analysis: While Heckingbottom encourages his team amidst adversity, ten Hag is under immense pressure. Having overseen United’s tumultuous start, his tactics and player management, especially with Sancho, invite heavy criticism.
The Tale of Two Uniteds: Rising Giants vs Struggling Blades. Our Technical Analysis
When Manchester United and Sheffield United lock horns this weekend at Bramall Lane, it will be more than just a football match; it’s a tale of two cities, two managers, and two very different starts to the season.
The Sheffield Saga: Sheffield United’s meteoric rise from the Championship to the Premier League might’ve been one for the history books, but their current form is turning out to be a Shakespearean tragedy. The Blades have endured a torrid time, still searching for their maiden win, and with just one point from eight matches, Paul Heckingbottom’s men are flirting with an unwanted record.
Despite this, the manager has urged his players to enjoy the challenges of top-tier football. But enjoyment and results don’t necessarily go hand in hand. Sheffield’s defence, or lack thereof, has been their Achilles’ heel. With 22 goals conceded in just eight games, it’s a woeful reading for any manager. The loss of stalwart Chris Basham, alongside John Egan and Tom Davies, only compounds their problems. But the Blades have shown resilience against the Red Devils before, with their surprise victory at Old Trafford in January 2021, providing a beacon of hope.
Key performers such as Wesley Foderingham and Gustavo Hamer have tried holding the fort, with Foderingham boasting an average rating of 7.43. But with a possession statistic of just 38.5%, the question remains: Can they hold off a Man United side that’s hungry for consistent wins?
Manchester United’s Mixed Bag: Erik ten Hag’s start at the helm of Manchester United hasn’t been smooth sailing. The club’s worst start in over three decades and off-pitch ownership sagas have set a tumultuous backdrop. But the dramatic 2-1 victory against Brentford, thanks to Scott McTominay’s heroics, might just be the tonic they need.
Luke Shaw, Bruno Fernandes, and Sofyan Amrabat have been the shining stars for United this season, with Shaw’s average rating of 7.70 leading the pack. The Red Devils have shown their attacking prowess with 1.1 goals per game, and a possession statistic of 53.6% indicates their dominance on the field. However, with a slew of injuries, including the notable absence of Jadon Sancho after his fall-out with Ten Hag, the starting lineup will have a different look.
Tactics & Strategies: Sheffield’s strategy has been a mixed bag. One would argue that a side that has conceded 22 goals should adopt a more defensive approach. Yet their games showcase a team constantly attempting to break, with an average of 8.9 shots per match. Manchester United, on the other hand, have been trying to dominate games with their possession-based style. But having conceded 12 goals in 8 matches, they too have defensive frailties to address.
The absence of defensive stalwarts for Sheffield might see them employ a deep block, trying to deny space for the likes of Fernandes and Rashford. Manchester United, with their attacking talent, might use width to stretch the Sheffield defence.
The Critique: While Heckingbottom’s optimism is commendable, one has to question his tactical nous. In a league where margins are wafer-thin, his side seems bereft of a clear game plan. On the other hand, Ten Hag, with his illustrious CV, needs to step up and deliver. The lack of a clear defensive structure is evident, and for a club of Manchester United’s stature, it’s nothing short of blasphemous.
Predictions:
1. Outcome Prediction (Win-Draw-Away): Given Manchester United’s stronger squad depth and Sheffield’s struggles so far this season, the balance tilts in favour of the Red Devils. Even though Sheffield will have the home advantage and will be desperate for points, Manchester United’s quality is likely to shine through. Thus, it is predicted that Manchester United will secure a victory at Bramall Lane.
2. Correct Score Prediction: Analysing the recent form and attacking prowess of both sides, a 2-0 scoreline in favour of Manchester United seems probable. Sheffield have been leaky at the back but will also be determined to shut out the opposition. On the other hand, Manchester United, although inconsistent, possesses enough attacking firepower to breach the Blades’ defence at least twice.
3. Goalscorer Prediction: Marcus Rashford is in fine form and has been crucial for Manchester United’s attacking ventures. He possesses the pace, skill, and finishing ability to hurt Sheffield’s defence. Given Sheffield’s vulnerability at the back, it won’t be surprising to see Rashford find the back of the net during the match.
4. Corner Analysis: Manchester United, boasting higher ball possession and a tendency to attack, is anticipated to win a majority of the corners. With Sheffield likely to sit deep and defend, they might concede corners under pressure. A total corner count of around 8 for Manchester United seems a reasonable estimate for the match.
5. Shot on Target: Bruno Fernandes is renowned for his vision, creativity, and willingness to shoot from distance. Given his propensity to take on shots and the potential spaces that Sheffield’s defence might leave open, Fernandes is expected to test the goalkeeper with at least a few shots on target. His ability to strike the ball cleanly and find pockets of space makes him a constant threat.
6. Yellow Card Prediction: Sheffield’s midfielder, Oliver Norwood, known for his combative nature and crucial role in breaking up opposition attacks, might find himself in the referee’s book. In a match where Manchester United is expected to dominate possession and create multiple attacking threats, Norwood’s defensive responsibilities may lead to him committing fouls, increasing the likelihood of him receiving a yellow card.
7. Assist Forecast: Bruno Fernandes, with his uncanny ability to pick out teammates in goal-scoring positions, is poised to register an assist. Whether it’s from a set-piece or open play, Fernandes’ vision and precision in delivering the ball make him Manchester United’s primary assist threat. Given Sheffield’s defensive concerns, Fernandes will likely find opportunities to set up his teammates for goals.
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