Tottenham players have plenty to show their manager, and Ange Postecoglou will want an excellent finish to their season as they take on Sheffield United.
Chris Wilder will reflect on his tenure with Sheffield United as the Blades prepare for another season in the EFL Championship, albeit after facing Tottenham on Sunday. The home side clearly could not manage a relegation battle and succumbed to pressure rather easily. But they have produced some impressive displays during the campaign.
Sheffield United have set an unwanted record for goals conceded, as they have shipped more than 101 times this season, breaking Swindon Town’s long-standing yet unwanted record of 100 concessions back in the 1993/94 campaign.
Overall, the Blades have been poor, and they have one last chance to give their supporters some joy in the final game of the Premier League season. Sheffield United host Tottenham, who will come into this clash as favourites, but there have been many surprises on the last day of many campaigns.
Ange Postecoglou was not in a good mood following Tottenham’s loss at home against Manchester City in midweek. There was plenty of controversy surrounding the clash, as Spurs fans clearly wanted their team to lose in an effort to not hand rivals Arsenal impetus in the Premier League title race.
Postecoglou was furious after the game and insisted the foundations in and out of the club are fragile. In truth, the players owe him a good response with a win on the final day, as a victory against Manchester City will have kept Spurs in the hunt for the top four heading into the first game of the season.
In any case, they are fifth and certain to qualify for the UEFA Europa League. But they might still need a point to consolidate their fifth place. A loss here at Sheffield, and should Chelsea manage to win their final game, then Spurs will end up finishing sixth, something Popstecoglou will be keen on avoiding at all costs.
Team News & Tactics
Sheffield United
Sheffield United have suffered many injuries during the season, and some may point to this as a big reason for their eventual downfall. On the positive side, Chris Wilder will have Mason Holgate, and Anel Ahmedhodzic available for the Tottenham game.
The former was ineligible to play against parent club Everton, while the latter had to serve a suspension. A host of players are still either out or have serious doubts. David Brooks and Oliver Arblaster are expected to shake off the issues that saw them taken off against the Toffees, while at least four others are set to be assessed before the last game.
However, the confirmed absentees include Chris Basham, Oliver McBurnie, Rhys Norrington-Davies, and Max Lowe, alongside John Egan, who is out of contract after this clash.
Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Foderingham; Ahmedhodzic, Trusty, Robinson; Bogle, Hamer, Souza, Brooks, Larouci; Brereton Diaz, Archer
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham may not have many squad changes from their midweek loss to Manchester City, with Ange Postecoglou set to have most of his players fit and available for this one. Only Yves Bissouma, Richarlison, Manor Solomon, Fraser Forster, and Destiny Udogie are out of contention.
Ryan Sessegnon, Ben Davies, and Timo Werner are also on the same boat, while Giovani Lo Celso is the only doubt after the Manchester City clash, which involved a knock on the knee.
Postecoglou might retain the same backline structure, meaning Micky van de Ven could once again start as a left-back, with Radu Dragusin taking his place at the heart of the defence. Meanwhile, Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr will continue in central midfield.
Dejan Kulusevski might displace Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to take a spot on the right side of the attack. Brennan Johnson will move to the left, with James Maddison and Son Heung-min completing the attacking setup.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Vicario; Porro, Romero, Dragusin, Van de Ven; Sarr, Bentancur; Kulusevski, Maddison, Johnson, Son
Key Stats
- Sheffield United have lost their last six matches in the Premier League.
- Sheffield United have now conceded a record 101 goals in a Premier League season.
- Tottenham have lost five of their last six matches in the Premier League.
- Tottenham have conceded at least two goals in five of their last six matches in the Premier League.
Player to Watch
Son Heung-min
The South Korean international was in the news following Tottenham’s midweek loss after missing a glorious chance late in the game to equalise. The goal might have given Spurs a possible point and Arsenal the impetus in the title race.
The focus is back on Son, and he must seal and deliver that fifth place for his team with a starring performance against bottom-placed Sheffield United. A good performance will also go a long way to impress Postecoglou after the manager’s fiery mood since that loss to Manchester City.
Prediction
Sheffield United 1-4 Tottenham Hotspur
Sheffield United will likely play another game with the handbrake off. But so far, their efforts to end the season on a positive note have failed to yield anything good. Meanwhile, it is a matter of pride for Chris Wilder and his men to deliver some joy on the last day of the season, as fans would dream for it to come at Tottenham’s expense.
Spurs are fired up ahead of this clash following their manager’s comments about the need to win. Hence, the North Londoners, like many other teams at Bramall Lane, could find their goalscoring touch and put Sheffield United to the sword with a smashing win over the relegated side.