Sheffield United approaches the end of 2020 desperate to claim a victory of the season, in the final match of the calendar year as they travel across the Pennines to Burnley’s Turf Moor.
With 15 Premier League games played this season, the Blades have yet to win one of those matches and have earned two points all season in the games against Fulham, at home, and Brighton (both 1-1). United will be desperate to get off the mark in their final match at Burnley.
Chris Wilder’s side was unfortunate not to walk away with a point in their last game, on Boxing Day, at home to Everton. Whilst the performance of either side did not just cause of argument to warrant a victory, Gylfi Sigurdsson’s strike ten minutes from time appeared to settle the difference and ending United’s five games undefeated on Boxing Day matches.
The Blades and the Clarets have met once already this season, though this is the first time they will meet in the league. On 17th September 2020, United travelled to Turf Moor in the Carabao Cup Second Round. Through David McGoldrick, the Blades took a fourth-minute lead. On 67 minutes Matej Vydra levelled the scores and with the resulted tied at 1-1 at 90 minutes, the game headed to penalties, which the Clarets won 5-4 in the shoot-out. Sean Dyche’s side went onto beat Millwall (2-0) in the following round before bowing out at home to Manchester City (0-3).
Sheffield United will be without midfielders Sander Berge and John Lundstram ahead of today’s clash at Turf Moor. Berge, the Norwegian is sidelined with a thigh injury he sustained in the 3-2 defeat to Manchester United on 17 December and is expected to be sidelined for around three months. Lunstram was sent off in the 1-1 draw with Brighton on 20 December and is serving the second of a three-match suspension. He will serve his last match in the first game of 2021 at Crystal Palace and will be available for selection for the FA Cup tie at Bristol Rovers.
They are also without Kean Bryan (calf strain), whilst Jack O’Connell (knee) are sidelined for the season. However, striker Oli McBurnie is doubtful with a shoulder injury but may not be until after the New Year until we see him on the team sheet again. Meanwhile forward Oliver Burke was replaced at half-time in that defeat to Everton due to a back injury and is also ruled out.
Past Premier League Results… vs. Burnley
2019/20 – Bramall Lane (W 3-0), Turf Moor (D 1-1)
Last Time
Burnley 1-1 Sheffield United – 17.09.2020 – Football League Cup Round 2