Newcastle United kick off the first Super Sunday held behind closed doors as they welcome Sheffield United to St James’ Park.
A home win will return Newcastle to 13th position after Southampton beat Norwich on Friday, whilst Sheffield Utd can climb to fifth with victory.
Team News
Embed from Getty ImagesCiaran Clark could return for Newcastle from an ankle injury after initially having been ruled out for rest of season prior to lockdown.
Dwight Gayle (knee) and Matt Ritchie (knock) meanwhile could feature if pass late fitness tests, whilst twin duo – Matty and Sean Longstaff are unlikely to feature in this game due to respective Quadriceps strain and knock.
Sheffield Utd could have John Fleck and David McGoldrick available if the pair can overcome knocks.
Jack O’Connell meanwhile is likely to again miss out with a knee injury suffered at start of the week in a training ground collision.
Stat Attack
- Newcastle have lost just one of their last six meetings against Sheffield United in all competitions (W6, L1).
- Sheffield Utd have never held Newcastle to a draw in five previous Premier League meetings (W2, L3).
- Newcastle have scored twice in each of their last two Premier League meetings against the Blades, albeit away at Bramall Lane.
- Sheffield Utd have won just two of their last nine trips to St James’ Park (W2, L7).
- The last draw between these teams came in February 1990, finishing 1-1 at Bramall Lane.
Prediction
This will be a tough game for Newcastle because they do seem to feed off the fan atmosphere more than other clubs, which will likely hurt them here because Sheffield Utd will already know what it is like to play without fans, after Wednesday’s goalless draw at Aston Villa in which Goal-Line Technology failure cost them a win.
Manchester United however drew on Friday night so this is a huge chance for Chris Wilder’s Blades to get a win and go fifth, especially before visiting the Red Devils on Wednesday in what could be a crucial clash in the race for a top five finish.
Newcastle however seems to be the Blades’ bogey team in recent decades, although the lack of fan atmosphere and experience behind closed doors for Newcastle could swing the game towards the Blades who have already experienced an empty stadium.
Prediction: Newcastle United 0-1 Sheffield United
Result: Newcastle United 3-0 Sheffield United