HomeFeatured ArticlesSheffield United vs Tottenham Preview | Team News, Stats & Key Men

Sheffield United vs Tottenham Preview | Team News, Stats & Key Men

Sheffield United have a spring in their step following their first win of the season and they will look to build on that against Tottenham. For the visitors, there have been questions asked about their ability to kill matches. They can’t afford to drop points against the bottom-placed team. In the corresponding fixture from last season, the Blades ran out 3-1 winners with goals from Sander Berge, Lys Mousset and Oliver McBurnie. A similar result this weekend will give them belief that they can perform a miracle escape.

The last seven days have been positive for Sheffield United and they may have lit an ember beneath the current squad. They have performed well at times this year, but the lack of goals in attack have caused them problems and prevented them from picking up points. Despite the improvement against Newcastle United, they had to rely on a penalty to get on the scoresheet. Chris Wilder will know that there is a lot to improve on before they can reach the levels of last season, but the three points were a positive. They have nothing to lose on Sunday and that makes them a dangerous opponent for Tottenham.

Tottenham have continually dropped points from losing positions. It is a habit that they can’t break and it will be playing on the minds of the players in the latter stages of matches. Against Fulham, Spurs deserved to take the three points, as they created several clear cut chances. Son Heung-min had a rare off day in front of goal and the team dropped points as a result. It is unlikely that the South Korean will be as wasteful this weekend if afforded similar opportunities. The title remains a long way off, but a victory will stabilise their position in the top four.

Interesting stats

Sheffield United’s clean sheet against Newcastle United was their first in 21 Premier League matches.

Tottenham have failed to win in their last four league matches away from home, scoring just three times during this time.

Key men

Fleck

The Scottish international will be looking to have a much better and more impactful second half of the season. He started in midfield against Newcastle United and there were signs that the Blades were getting back to their best in these areas. The combination of Oliver Norwood, Fleck and John Lundstram worked well for the first half of last season. Chris Wilder brought the three back together in midweek and it worked well for the team. Against Newcastle, Fleck completed 97% of his passes, two of which were key passes. He was very good at recycling possession in the week and he will be key to their hopes of breaking down Tottenham.

Kane

The England captain got on the scoresheet during the week with an excellent header. He looks set to have his best season in the final third, both in terms of goals and assists. Kane has 11 goals and 11 assists in the Premier League. His returns have slowed down recently, but he looks set for another rich period in front of goal with two goals and one assist in the last two Premier League matches. Sheffield United will be tough to break down. Despite their lowly league position, they are rarely dominated and it will be tough for Tottenham to create clear cut openings on Sunday. This is why Kane will be vital as he can create chances for others and he has the clinical edge himself. Against a side that won’t push up too high, he is the one more likely to cause damage.

Team news 

Enda Stevens, George Baldock, Oli McBurnie and Jack Robinson are all doubts for the home side.

Steven Bergwijn is available for the visitors. Gareth Bale will be hoping to feature after a minor squad role in recent weeks, while Giovani Lo Celso remains on the sidelines.

Verdict

Sheffield United come into the match with confidence and that will be the first time this season. That makes them a dangerous opponent for Tottenham, especially if Wilder manages to get the players to match the intensity they showed against Newcastle. That said, the Blades still have issues in attack as they had to rely on a penalty to win during the week. Tottenham will be tougher to break down and they will come with a point to prove. Spurs should have enough to take three points.

Sheffield United 0-2 Tottenham

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