Newcastle United go from San Siro to Sheffield as they return to Premier League action to face Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Sunday evening.
The Geordies travelled to Italy in large numbers for their return to the Champions League after 20 years, and they did their fans proud as they ground out a hard-fought goalless draw despite the home side having 25 shots on goal. And Newcastle United next face the assignment in the Premier League against Sheffield United.
Eddie Howe’s side snapped a three-match losing run last weekend when Callum Wilson’s penalty helped them see off Brentford at St. James Park. They will now focus on their return to Premier League action when they visit Sheffield United this weekend.
Newcastle’s ability to balance competing in the Champions League as well as in the Premier League and other domestic competitions will be tested for the first time this season this Sunday afternoon.
Sheffield United, meanwhile, were left heartbroken last weekend when they looked to be heading for an excellent victory over Tottenham, only for the late drama to bring about a complete turnaround. The Blades conceded twice deep in added time as they slipped to a 2-1 defeat at Spurs last time out, after shipping late goals in narrow defeats to Manchester City and Nottingham Forest.
The South Yorkshire outfit have just one point on board from their opening five Premier League games, but they will fancy getting something out against a Newcastle side who are coming into the game after a gruelling game in Milan.
These two sides last met in the 2020/21 Premier League campaign, with both teams recording 1-0 home wins. Ahead of the latest meeting between the two sides, The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at the encounter.
Team News and Tactics
Sheffield United
Feeling good. 😄 pic.twitter.com/8wnJ9COz1C
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) September 22, 2023
Sheffield United could be without the services of as many as 12 players for Sunday’s visit of Newcastle United, though the majority of sidelined players are only days away from returning to fitness. Following his red card against Tottenham, Oli McBurnie was handed a one-match suspension.
Captain John Egan is back available after missing the last game with a knee injury. But George Baldock and Will Osula are again expected to be absent. Head coach Paul Heckingbottom will line up his side in a compact shape featuring a back-three defence, with Wes Foderingham operating in goal.
Heckingbottom will play a midfield five of Jayden Bogle, Vinicius Souza, Oliver Norwood, Gustavo Hamer, and James McAtee. Tough-tackling defensive midfielder Vinicius Souza will have to be on high alert to thwart the Magpies midfield runners and have an excellent transition game when the Blades turn the ball over.
Norwood can help out Souza with protecting the defence. The Blades could play through the lines a bit more, with Norwood trying to find Hamer and McAtee in pockets of space. With Rhian Brewster and McBurnie out injured, Benie Traore will likely come into the attack from the get-go to partner fellow summer recruit Cameron Archer upfront.
Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Foderingham; Ahmedhodzic, Egan, Robinson; Bogle, Souza, Hamer, Norwood, McAtee; Traore, Archer
Newcastle United
Midfielders Joe Willock and Joelinton are absent once more, which means that Eddie Howe is a little light on midfield options, and the unchanged midfield trio of Sean Longstaff, Bruno Guimaraes, and Sandro Tonali should line up once again at Bramall Lane.
Howe gave a hint that he could make a fair few changes to his starting XI in his pre-match presser on Friday morning as he looks to manage the workload of his players throughout a busy period of their season.
Feeling good. 😄 pic.twitter.com/8wnJ9COz1C
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) September 22, 2023
Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy were handed starting spots on either side of Alexander Isak in midweek, while summer signing Harvey Barnes, Miguel Almiron, and Callum Wilson made substitute appearances. The roles could be reversed here, with the latter trio returning to the attack from the outset.
Newcastle No. 1 Nick Pope has had a slow start to the season between the sticks, but he was excellent on Tuesday and made eight crucial saves.
Reaction saves, doing the basics well, commanding on crosses, and confident coming off his line, he won’t be as busy against Sheffield United this weekend, though. Not only Pope, but all of the defence played their part to earn a vital Champions League point on Tuesday and could retain their places in the starting XI.
Two exciting options Howe could utilise during the game are young full-backs Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall, with both former Chelsea academy products still awaiting their first Newcastle starts since moving to St. James’ Park during the summer for sizeable transfer fees.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Tonali; Almiron, Wilson, Barnes
Key Stats
- Newcastle United have won six of the past seven league meetings, with the exception being a 1-0 defeat on their last visit to Bramall Lane in January 2021.
- Sheffield United have failed to win their last five Premier League matches.
- The hosts have conceded at least two goals in their last four Premier League games.
- The Magpies have conceded in each of their last 11 away Premier League games.
- Five of the last eight meetings between them have produced fewer than 2.5 goals, so a low-scoring encounter could be in the offing.
Player to Watch
Kieran Trippier
Trippier was one of the best players on the pitch and, as is commonly said, the best signing the club has made since the takeover in October 2021. He was, frankly, just immaculate at San Siro. His vast Champions League experience shone through as he inspired the other players, particularly those making their debuts in the competition.
The England international oozes leadership and quality and is flawless in his defending and organisation, supports attacking play, and his experience is invaluable to this team. Indeed, if the Magpies are to get out of this early-season slump, they will need their captain to lead from the front.
Prediction
Sheffield United 0-2 Newcastle United
This has the makings of a tough evening for the Geordies, who must be exhausted after putting all that effort into AC Milan to claim a point. How much that will have taken out of them is the all-important question, and they will know they could be in for a battle against the Blades.
Luck has not been on Sheffield United’s side so far this season, but they have been there and thereabouts in most games. However, a depleted Paul Heckingbottom side may struggle to cope with the intensity and quality of Eddie Howe’s side, so an away win looks probable. This win should help them continue to generate momentum heading into a busy run of games.
