Sheffield United and Luton Town enter the festive period in form after a momentous weekend and are in for a six-pointer relegation battle.
Sheffield United, who face Luton Town on Boxing Day, were minutes away from securing a solid win at Aston Villa to give themselves a boost ahead of the festive fixtures. Cameron Archer stunned the Villa Park crowd with a late goal that made Unai Emery wonder in dismay, and Chris Wilder jumped with joy.
Yet, Nicolo Zaniolo went on to rescue a late point for Aston Villa, which essentially broke Sheffield United’s hearts. But Wilder will have been content with that momentous point. Yet, that did not move a needle in their position at the bottom of the table, although every point gained now will prove valuable, especially against a top-three side.
Wilder will want his team to take their next steps with a newfound vigour and would wish to the home crowd behind them as well. They now host a crunch clash against fellow relegation strugglers Luton Town in a potential six-pointer, which the Blades boss will want in full.
Luton Town are fresh from the devastation of a fixture against Bournemouth saw captain Tom Lockyer suffer a cardiac arrest. The Hatters’ skipper has since been released from the hospital, but the lingering effect of the scenes at the Vitality remain.
They responded fittingly as Andros Townsend paid a stunning tribute to the Luton skipper by scoring the goal against Newcastle United on home soil over the weekend. That strike eventually proved the winner as Rob Edwards’s side secured a stellar victory against a top-half opposition.
Yet, like Sheffield United’s result against Villa, Luton’s win barely moved the needle in the relegation zone, as Burnley also won their clash against Fulham. Hence, there is increased emphasis on this potential six-pointer against Sheffield United. Edwards will want his side to continue performing at the highest level and take all three points, which might give them an edge over 17th-placed Nottingham Forest.
Team News & Tactics
Sheffield United
Chris Wilder would have chosen to name a nearly identical side that secured a point at Villa Park, only for Jayden Bogle to pick up his fifth booking. The wing-back will now miss the Luton Town game, which could see the Sheffield United boss shift George Baldock to Bogle’s position.
There is a potential injury boost on the cards as Anel Ahmedhodzic could return to action after missing the Villa clash with a hamstring issue. The problem does not appear to be serious; if he does play, then his absence was only a precaution.
Wilder could retain a back three with him in the side, and with Baldock, he could have more defensive security even in the wide areas. Besides that, Cameron Archer has a point to prove after his goal against Aston Villa.
The striker has intense competition to start against Luton despite his late role in the last game. Oliver McBurnie will contest for a place after having a hand in four goals in the previous five games at Bramall Lane. The former Aston Villa man may lead the line, with the latter a high-quality option off the bench if needed.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Foderingham; Ahmedhodzic, Robinson, Trusty; Baldock, Souza, Norwood, Lowe; Hamer, McAtee; Archer
Luton Town
Rob Edwards must tinker with his squad selection for the Sheffield United clash, as he has some new problems ahead. Reece Burke and Dan Potts are the only potential absentees, alongside skipper Tom Lockyer. However, the returning Marvelous Nakamba could give the manager a selection headache, with Albert Sambi Lokonga’s place in threat.
The on-loan Arsenal midfielder made an impression with a good display in the engine room alongside Ross Barkley. Should Edwards retain the Belgian and play him alongside Nakamba, Barkley could move ahead and influence differently.
Alternatively, Edwards might stay the same from a winning side and keep similar players, meaning Nakamba could have a place on the bench. Overall, the side might look the same, with the manager hoping for another excellent performance, primarily from senior stars like Barkley and Andros Townsend.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Kaminski; Mengi, Osho, Bell; Kabore, Lokonga, Barkley, Doughty; Townsend, Brown; Adebayo
Key Stats
- Sheffield United have seen under 2.5 goals in their last 5 matches against Luton in all competitions.
- There have been under 2.5 goals scored in Sheffield United’s last 4 games in the Premier League.
- Sheffield United have only won 2 games all season, with both coming at Brammal Lane.
- Luton Town are within 2 points off 17th placed Nottingham Forest with a game in hand.
- Luton Town have only one victory from their 8 away games this season in the Premier League.
Player to Watch
Ross Barkley
The former Everton and Chelsea star has silently put his name in the reckoning after playing an influential part in some of Luton’s games. Against Arsenal, he scored a terrific goal, but against Newcastle United, he gave the Hatters a new style in the middle, and he looked at home with his partnership with Albert Sambi Lokonga.
Rob Edwards will want a similar performance from his star midfielder, especially in this relegation six-pointer against Sheffield. Luton Town have a favourable recent record against Sheffield United, and Barkley will want to make himself known with a top-notch display in this crunch game that could take his team above the relegation zone.
Prediction
Sheffield United 0-1 Luton Town
Sheffield United may have gained a valuable point against Aston Villa. Still, Luton Town come into this contest on the back of a stellar victory over Newcastle United and are high on confidence to do so again against the Blades. Moreover, the Hatters also have a favourable record against the Sheffield, which could give them the edge here.
Some of the Luton players are bang in form, as the likes of Ross Barkley and Andros Townsend could have a massive say in how the game goes. There is still the stubbornness of the Sheffield United defence, which could result in a low-scoring game, but a win for Luton in this crunch relegation battle.
