Sheffield United embark on their third consecutive away fixture since the recommencing of the Premier League. United had kick-started the campaign with a 0-0 draw at Aston Villa before recording a heavy defeat at Newcastle last Sunday. Tomorrow, the Blades travel to an empty Old Trafford where three points against Manchester United are vital.
The Blades lost 3-0 at Newcastle United last Sunday, in what wasn’t a great performance by United. Despite the result, the biggest loss from that game was the double booking of defender John Egan, who will now sit out the trip to Greater Manchester.
Sheffield United will have to do without the services of goalkeeper Dean Henderson, who is on loan from Manchester United, will not be eligible to face his parent club. Much like in the 3-3 draw with the Red Devils earlier this season, United may call upon the services of backup stopper Simon Moore, or hand Belgian keeper Michael Verrips his first Premier League start.
Since the re-start, Chris Wilder has been without defender Jack O’Connell through injury and is expected to be sidelined again, with Jack Robinson deputising in his absence. Striker David McGoldrick received a knock in the draw at Villa and it’s unclear as to how long he will be sidelined for.
Egan’s suspension will also be a big blow to the Blades but will pave the way for either Panagiotis Retsos or the experienced Phil Jagielka to take his place.
With play resuming in the league, it was also agreed by the authorities that clubs are permitted to name an additional two substitutes on the team sheet, whilst they can make five substitution changes during the game. This is a temporary measure whilst the 20 Premier League clubs fulfil the remaining fixtures.
With some clubs playing warm-up friendlies before the season re-start, Manchester United cancelled their game with Stoke City due to a COVID-19 scare. However, they did re-start the Premier League season last Friday night with a 1-1 draw at Tottenham Hotspur.
Red Devils manager reported on their official site that they have no injury concerns, despite Victor Lindelof replaced in the second half during the draw at Tottenham to injury.
Last Time
24.11.2019 – Premier League – Sheffield United 3-3 Manchester United
Remaining Blades Fixtures;
28 Jun – Arsenal (h) FA Cup QF 13:00
30 Jun – Tottenham Hotspur (h) 20:15
04 Jul – Burnley (a) 15:00
08 Jul – Wolverhampton Wanderers (h) 20:00
11 Jul – Chelsea (h) 15:00
15 Jul – Leicester City (a) 20:00
18 Jul – Everton (h) 15:00
26 Jul – Southampton (a) 15:00