2019-20 Premier League: Week 18 – Brighton vs Sheffield United

Brighton & Hove Albion welcome Sheffield United to the Amex Stadium as both teams look to continue their top ten challenge. 

Brighton could go ninth with a win whilst the Blades know that victory could temporarily send them fifth. 

 

Team news

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Brighton have no fresh injury concerns as Aaron Connolly prepares to return from a dead leg picked up at Arsenal earlier this month. 

Solly March is nearing a return from a groin injury but isn’t expected to be available until New Year Day at earliest. 

Jose Izquierdo is still sidelined with a serious knee injury. 

Sheffield United will be without John Fleck due to suspension, having picked up his fifth yellow card of the season last weekend against Aston Villa. 

Callum Robinson however could return after sitting out last weekend with illness. 

 

Form

Brighton are unbeaten in their last three matches (W1, D2) whilst they have also lost just one of their last four home games (W3, D1, L1).

Sheffield United have lost just one of their last ten league games, despite drawing four of their last five away games of which just one of their five away goals across that run came in the first-half. 

 

Stat Attack

• This is the first ever top tier meeting between Brighton and Sheffield United. 
• Brighton have taken just four points from their last five league meetings with the Blades (W1, D1, L3). 
• United’s Phil Jagielka is the only surviving player from their last meeting in January 2006 to still play for either team. 
• No Brighton player has made more substitute appearances this season than Glenn Murray, who has come on from the bench on eight occasions. 
• United have conceded the third lowest amount of goals away from home this season, leaking in just seven goals in eight away trips. 

 

Prediction

Out of this weekend’s fixtures, this is definitely the toughest to predict because Brighton are solid but United’s attacking style will be tough to silence for an entire game as many teams have found out. 

In fact what is incredible about the Blades is that they have lost by a two goal or more margin just once this season, which highlights how tough a team they’re to beat but Fleck’s absence will be their main concern

I therefore can see a draw coming between these teams but Brighton at times can drop the ball defensively, which might very well allow United to snatch a win. 

Prediction: Brighton 1-2 Sheffield United

Result: Brighton 0-1 Sheffield United