2020-21 FA Cup: Fourth Round – Sheffield United vs Plymouth

Sheffield United look to avoid a cupset as they welcome Plymouth Argyle to Bramall Lane in the Fourth Round of 2020-21 FA Cup. 

Victory for Sheffield Utd or Plymouth would see them play host to the winner of Millwall’s tie against Bristol City in the Fifth Round.

 

Team News

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Oli McBurnie, Lys Mousset and Ben Osborn are doubts for Sheffield Utd as the trio struggle with knocks.

Jack Robinson (unspecified), Sander Berge (hamstring) and Jack O’Connell (knee) remain ruled out.

Plymouth will be without George Cooper after the wing-back required surgery on a knee injury.

Lewis Macleod (ankle) is unlikely to feature but Byron Moore could return after missing Tuesday’s win at Sunderland for personal reasons.

 

Stat Attack

• Sheffield Utd comfortably beat Plymouth in the only previous FA Cup encounter between these two teams, winning 3-0 at Bramall Lane in Second Round of 2014-15 FA Cup.
• Plymouth have won just one of their last 18 visits to Bramall Lane in all competitions (W1, D2, L15).
• Utd’s Chris Basham and Plymouth goalie, Luke McCormick are the the only surviving players from both teams to still represent their clubs in this fixture over six years on from their only previous FA Cup clash.

 

Prediction

Given the two tier difference between these two teams, Sheffield Utd know that this is theirs to lose after a recent upturn in fortunes with two wins in their last three matches, although small individual defensive errors cost them against a mightily impressive Tottenham last weekend.

Plymouth meanwhile have also seen an upturn in form in recent weeks so will definitely be fancying their chances of a cupset here, although I suspect both teams will be fielding their strongest lineup here given that a spot in the Fifth Round is on offer.

I however am going for a home win because Plymouth’s away form in not just this fixture but overall this past year has been poor, which should suit the Blades whose focus should be on finding a clean sheet for a confidence boost.

Prediction: Sheffield United 2-0 Plymouth Argyle

Result: Sheffield United 2-1 Plymouth Argyle