Sheffield United and Fulham look to end their losing streaks as they go head-to-head at Bramall Lane in a high-noon Super Sunday clash.
With West Brom and Burnley not meeting until Monday, a point will be enough to lift both Sheffield Utd and Fulham off the foot of the table for at least 29 hours, whereas victory for either team coupled with defeat for Manchester United at Newcastle could temporarily lift the winners up to 16th.
Team News
John Fleck and Oliver Burke could feature for Sheffield Utd if can pass late fitness tests after recovering from knocks suffered during the international break for Scotland.
David McGoldrick (adductor) is also likely to be available but John Egan is a doubt after having to quarantine following close contact with a Republic of Ireland player who tested positive for Coronavirus.
Simon Moore (finger), Jack O’Connell (knee) and Lys Mousset (toe) remain absent indefinitely.
Fulham will have Mario Lemina available after the midfielder recovered from a knock which kept him sidelined in their defeat at Wolves a fortnight ago.
Harrison Reed meanwhile is unlikely to be risked but Joachim Andersen (ankle) joins Kenny Tete (calf) on sidelines indefinitely.
Stat Attack
- Sheffield United are unbeaten in two of last five meetings against Fulham in all competitions (W1, D1, L3).
- Fulham have won just one of their last eight trips to Bramall Lane (W1, D2, L5).
- Either team are yet to be awarded a penalty or have a player sent off after two previous Premier League meetings, despite both clubs having four players shown yellow cards.
- In two previous Premier League meetings, the home team won on each occasion with a clean sheet.
- Sheffield Utd enter this weekend as the lowest scoring team after the four opening rounds this season with just one goal.
Prediction
With both teams currently the two worst scorers in the Premier League with four goals in total between them, this is a must-win if either club are to begin building momentum because Sheffield Utd showed positive signs of improvement just prior to the international break.
Fulham’s defence meanwhile continues to fall apart in the Premier League after impressing in the Championship the previous season which seems a constant theme with the Cottagers, and a key area which Sheffield Utd can target if opt to play a high pressing game.
I am therefore expecting a tough match between two underperforming teams but Chris Wilder’s Blades are capable of better and after recent performances, I can see them eventually producing a comfortable win.
Prediction: Sheffield United 2-0 Fulham
Result: Sheffield United 1-1 Fulham