Sheffield United vs Tottenham Hotspur predictions for this Premier League clash. Tottenham Hotspur need one point to secure fifth place as they conclude their Premier League campaign at Sheffield United on Sunday. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Premier League | Gameweek 38 – May 19, 2024 at 4pm UK at Bramall Lane
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Sheffield United vs Tottenham Hotspur Predictions
Key Stats
– Sheffield United have conceded a record 101 goals this season.
– Heung-min Son has netted 17 goals for Tottenham this campaign.
– Tottenham have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five away matches.
Tottenham’s Quest for Europa League Against Sheffield United
Tottenham Hotspur will be aiming to secure a fifth-place finish in the Premier League as they travel to face already-relegated Sheffield United at Bramall Lane. Ange Postecoglou’s men are coming off a disappointing 2-0 loss to Manchester City, while the Blades continue to languish at the bottom of the table following a narrow 1-0 defeat at Everton. This preview delves into the teams’ performances, strategies, and key battles, culminating in several well-founded predictions for the match.
Team Form and Analysis
Sheffield United
Sheffield United’s season has been nothing short of disastrous. They have conceded a record-breaking 101 goals and are firmly rooted to the bottom of the standings. Chris Wilder’s side have lost their last six games and haven’t tasted victory since a 1-0 win over Luton Town in February. Despite their dismal campaign, the Blades have a peculiar knack for winning their final league match of the season, having done so in each of the past three years.
The Blades’ offensive struggles are glaring, with just 35 goals scored in 37 matches. Key players like Ben Brereton Díaz and Oliver McBurnie have only managed six goals each, highlighting the team’s lack of firepower. Defensively, they’ve been even worse, with a mere one clean sheet all season and an average of 2.7 goals conceded per game. Their frequent defensive lapses have led to a high number of big chances conceded, making them particularly vulnerable against teams with potent attacks.
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham’s season under Postecoglou has been turbulent. Although they’ve managed to secure a spot in the Europa League, their recent form has been concerning. Spurs have lost five of their last six matches and have been particularly poor away from home, winning just two of their last 12 away fixtures. Their defensive issues are also noteworthy, with 61 goals conceded this season, which is more than double that of some of their rivals.
Offensively, however, Spurs have been more reliable. They have scored 71 goals, averaging 1.9 per game, with Heung-min Son leading the charge with 17 goals. Despite Richarlison being sidelined due to injury, other key attackers like Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison are expected to step up. Tottenham’s ability to create and convert big chances will be crucial against a Sheffield United defence that has been consistently porous.
Expected Lineups and Tactical Insights
Sheffield United’s Possible Starting XI:
Foderingham; Ahmedhodzic, Robinson, Trusty; Bogle, Souza, Hamer, Arblaster, Brooks; Brereton Díaz, Archer
Sheffield United will be relieved to have Mason Holgate and Anel Ahmedhodzic back in the defence. The presence of these players should provide some stability, although the overall quality and depth remain concerns. In midfield, Gustavo Hamer and Vinícius Souza will need to control the tempo and try to disrupt Tottenham’s rhythm. Upfront, Brereton Díaz and Cameron Archer must capitalise on any defensive mistakes from Spurs.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Possible Starting XI:
Vicario; Porro, Romero, Dragusin, Van de Ven; Sarr, Hojbjerg; Kulusevski, Maddison, Johnson; Son
Postecoglou might ring in a few changes following their midweek defeat. Micky van de Ven might continue at left-back due to injuries, and the midfield duo of Pape Matar Sarr and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg will be crucial in both defence and transition. The creative spark will come from Maddison, with Kulusevski and Son expected to provide the cutting edge in attack.
Key Battles and Tactical Matchups
Midfield Dominance
The midfield battle between Vinícius Souza and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg will be critical. Souza’s ability to break up play and Hojbjerg’s knack for distributing the ball efficiently will set the tone for their respective teams. Additionally, Gustavo Hamer’s role in trying to exploit any spaces left by Tottenham’s adventurous full-backs could be pivotal for Sheffield United’s counter-attacks.
Defensive Solidity
Anel Ahmedhodzic will have his hands full dealing with the pace and movement of Heung-min Son. Similarly, Cristian Romero and Radu Dragusin will need to be wary of the physical presence and aerial threat posed by Ben Brereton Díaz. How well these defenders manage their tasks could determine the number of goals conceded in what promises to be an open game.
Attacking Flair
Tottenham’s attacking trio of Kulusevski, Maddison, and Son will look to exploit Sheffield United’s leaky defence. The interplay between Maddison and Son, in particular, will be crucial in breaking down a backline that has struggled all season. For Sheffield United, the creativity of Hamer and the finishing ability of Brereton Díaz will be their primary weapons.
Predictions
Best Bet: Over 4.5 Goals
Given the defensive records of both Sheffield United and Tottenham Hotspur, a high-scoring match is highly anticipated. Sheffield United have been the weakest defensive side in the Premier League, conceding an alarming 101 goals this season, averaging nearly three goals per game. Tottenham, while not as porous, have struggled defensively, conceding 61 goals across the campaign, which is indicative of their own defensive vulnerabilities.
The attacking prowess of Tottenham further justifies this prediction. With key players like Heung-min Son and James Maddison capable of creating and converting numerous chances, Tottenham are expected to find the back of the net multiple times. Son, in particular, has been in fine form, scoring 17 goals this season, and his attacking partners are likely to capitalise on the opportunities against a frail Sheffield United defence.
Sheffield United, despite their poor form, have shown some ability to score, particularly through the efforts of Ben Brereton Díaz and Oliver McBurnie. Given Tottenham’s defensive lapses, the Blades might manage to get on the scoresheet, contributing to the overall goal tally. The combination of weak defences and capable attackers makes over 4.5 goals a strong bet for this match.
Correct Score Prediction: Sheffield United 1-4 Tottenham
Considering the current form and defensive records, a 4-1 victory for Tottenham Hotspur seems likely. Tottenham’s attacking unit, spearheaded by Heung-min Son and supported by James Maddison, has the quality to dismantle Sheffield United’s defence. Sheffield United’s record of conceding 2.7 goals per game indicates that they are likely to allow several goals in this fixture.
While Tottenham’s defence has also been shaky, conceding 61 goals this season, they have enough quality to outscore Sheffield United comfortably. The Blades might manage to breach Tottenham’s defence once, especially through players like Ben Brereton Díaz, who has shown glimpses of his potential this season. However, Tottenham’s superior attacking options are expected to dominate the game and secure a comprehensive victory. The predicted scoreline reflects Tottenham’s offensive capabilities against the league’s weakest defence while acknowledging their own defensive frailties.
Goalscorer Prediction: Heung-min Son to Score
Heung-min Son has been Tottenham’s standout player this season, netting 17 goals and consistently being their most reliable attacking threat. Facing Sheffield United, who have the league’s worst defensive record, Son is highly likely to add to his tally. His pace, skill, and clinical finishing make him a constant threat to any defence, and against a team that concedes nearly three goals per game, his chances of scoring are significantly heightened.
Son’s movement and positioning often place him in prime scoring opportunities, and with creative players like James Maddison providing service, he should have ample chances to find the back of the net. Moreover, Sheffield United’s defensive structure has been unable to cope with quick, skilful attackers, which further boosts Son’s likelihood of scoring in this match. Given these factors, Heung-min Son is the prime candidate to score in this fixture.
Team to Score First: Tottenham
Tottenham Hotspur, despite their recent form, possess the attacking quality to strike early against Sheffield United. The Blades have frequently started games on the back foot, struggling to contain opposition attacks in the initial stages. Tottenham’s offensive players, particularly Heung-min Son and James Maddison, have the capability to exploit this vulnerability from the outset.
Tottenham have been adept at creating early chances, and Sheffield United’s defensive fragility only amplifies the likelihood of an early goal. With Tottenham’s attackers eager to end the season on a high and secure a Europa League spot, they are expected to come out aggressively, looking to capitalise on Sheffield United’s weaknesses. This aggressive approach, combined with the Blades’ defensive issues, makes Tottenham the favourites to open the scoring.
Innovative Market: Total Team Shots on Target for Tottenham Over 6.5
Tottenham Hotspur have averaged 5.6 shots on target per game this season, and facing a defensively weak Sheffield United side, they are likely to surpass this average. Sheffield United’s porous defence has struggled to contain opposition attacks, frequently allowing multiple shots on target per game. Tottenham’s attacking unit, with players like Heung-min Son, James Maddison, and Dejan Kulusevski, are expected to generate numerous scoring opportunities.
Given Sheffield United’s tendency to concede chances, betting on Tottenham to have over 6.5 shots on target is a strong proposition. Tottenham’s attacking style involves creating high-quality chances, and against a team that has conceded over 100 goals, they should comfortably exceed their season average for shots on target. This market offers value, considering both Tottenham’s offensive capabilities and Sheffield United’s defensive shortcomings.
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