Relegation-favourites Sheffield United will host an in-form Fulham as the Blades go into their last-chance saloon mode.
Sheffield United fans would have taken a draw before their game against Bournemouth before the international break, but they will want a win over Fulham. What transpired at the Vitality stadium was an unprecedented 2-0 lead for the Blades, although Bournemouth’s fightback to claim a draw must have left a bitter taste.
Dango Ouattara and Enes Unal secured a fighting draw for the Cherries, which in turn left Sheffield United in an inevitable position with regards to relegation. They are still mathematically in the equation. But with ten games left to play, Chris Wilder must feel this is that last chance saloon mode for his team.
Sheffield United are bottom of the table with 14 points and have the worst metrics of all teams when it comes to attacking or defending. Another loss or dropped points will accelerate their journey towards an inevitable return to the EFL Championship, as Fulham come to visit them on Saturday.
Fulham had a testing game on their hands before the international break. But Marco Silva’s men took full advantage of an unfortunate performance by Tottenham to blow them away. A brace from in-form striker Rodrigo Muniz and a Sasa Lukic strike ensured the Cottagers put a dent in Ange Postecoglou’s hope of securing a top-four finish.
After a run of consecutive wins in the Premier League earlier, including victories over Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion, Fulham continued to show inconsistencies in their results. Their loss to Wolves highlighted that, but they quickly bounced back against Spurs to put themselves in a position to finish in the top half.
Silva must have seen games involving sides coming to Sheffield United and will feel his side must take three points in. a thumping manner. Brighton, Aston Villa and Arsenal have all secured heavy victories at this venue lately, with the Cottagers likely to add to that list on Saturday.
Team News & Tactics
Sheffield United
If Sheffield United suffer relegation, Chris Wilder will rue his luck with injuries this season and might even blame predecessor Paul Heckingbottom for some of the issues. Heading into the final phase of the season, the Blades are still without a host of their critical stars, with as many as five essential players set to miss the game against Fulham.
There are other potential casualties, with Cameron Archer and Anis Ben Slimane both doubtful for the clash. Wilder will hope the duo will make themselves available after a period of rest during the international break.
Wilder will hope to have some contributions from his forward including Ollie McBurnie and Ben Brereton Diaz. Even in midfield, there are some of those who have underperformed, including Vinicius Souza and Gustavo Hamer.
Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Grbic; Baldock, Trusty, Robinson; Bogle, Souza, Arblaster, Hamer, Osborn; Brereton Diaz, McBurnie
Fulham
Marco Silva will be delighted at having a fully fit squad at his disposal at this juncture of the season. The only question mark with player fitness comes in the form of in-form striker Rodrigo Muniz, who felt some tightness in his hamstring areas.
The striker was taken off against Spurs as a precaution and is expected to start up front, as Silva will likely name his most robust lineup to face Sheffield United. Tosin Adarabioyo and Calvin Bassey have given the manager no reasons to ponder changes at the back, and the same goes for full-backs Timothy Castagne and Antonee Robinson.
Sasa Lukic has given himself every reason to start this game after his performance and goal against Tottenham. He will partner with enforcer Joao Palhinha in the central areas. Andreas Pereira will play the attacking midfield role, with Alex Iwobi and Willian likely to be preferred on the wings.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne, Adarabioyo, Bassey, Robinson; Lukic, Palhinha; Iwobi, Pereira, Willian; Muniz
Key Stats
- Sheffield United have conceded at least five goals in each of their last four games at home in all competitions.
- Sheffield United have conceded at least two goals in eight of their last ten matches in the Premier League.
- Sheffield United have the worst defensive record with 74 goals conceded and likewise in the attack with 24 goals scored.
- Fulham have never done the double over Sheffield United in their history.
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Fulham’s last seven games in the Premier League.
Player to Watch
Rodrigo Muniz
Muniz has steadily entered the conversation of a top Premier League performer and will probably put in his best shift against Tottenham before the international break. The striker will want to continue with his tremendous form and might get a favourable result against Sheffield United.
Considering how bad Sheffield United’s defence has been, any striker would dream of such games, and Muniz will undoubtedly relish the prospect of scoring more in this clash. All eyes will be on the striker as he would like to add to his tally and finish the season for Fulham rather strongly.
Prediction
Sheffield United 0-3 Fulham
The Cottagers have been inconsistent this season, but they have also shown a ruthless streak when on song. Considering how bad this Sheffield United side is, Fulham will relish the chance to come here and put in a commanding performance.
Chris Wilder will know his side needs an exceptional performance to have a slim hope of staying alive, but they are set to face a young team at this juncture. Hence, the likelihood of them getting anything will be slender, although the manager will hope to contain Fulham to a limit and that his defence allows a minimal amount of goals, with the Cottagers the clear favourites for this one.
