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High Five – Blades Looking to Extend Unbeaten Run

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Sheffield United will be looking to extend their unbeaten run to five Championship matches when they travel to Fulham tonight (kick-off; 7:45 PM), whilst the hosts will be keen to extend their lead at the top of the league.

The Blades currently lay fourteenth in the Championship table, though they have been without a league fixture since 4th December, following last Monday’s scheduled home encounter with Queens Park Rangers postponed due to Covid-19. The Blades are unbeaten in their last four matches and boast three consecutive fixtures. 

United was victorious in their last encounter at Cardiff City, winning 3-2 with goals from Morgan Gibbs-White, Billy Sharp, and David McGoldrick. All of the Blades goals had come in the second half. The Bluebirds had taken a first-half lead through Mark Harris before skipper Sean Harrison was dismissed on 52 minutes after hauling down Sharp outside the box. United netted trice and was given a nervy finish when Mark McGuiness headed home on 90 minutes but United hung on for the win.

Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom is likely to be without four players ahead of the Blades trip to London tonight. He is expected to be without goalkeeper; Robin Olsen (muscle injury), defender Jack O’Connell (knee), midfielder John Fleck (heart), and striker Rhian Brewster (hamstring).

Meanwhile, Oliver Norwood may feature against his former club. The midfielder was signed by Fulham on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion for the duration of the 2017-18 season, by former boss Slavisa Jokanovic. He played in the epic 5-4 victory at Bramall Lane on 21st November 2017, which saw both Leon Clarke and Ryan Sessegnon net a hat-trick. Norwood went on to score 5 goals in 41 games in all competitions, including the Play-Off Final victory over Aston Villa.

The Blades have failed to claim victory over tonight’s opponent, Fulham, in their last four league outings. The last time that

United claimed victory over their London opposition came on 30th January 2007 after goals from Jon Stead and Michael Tonge claimed a 2-0 victory at Bramall Lane in the Premier League. The last time that both Sheffield United and Fulham faced each other was last February at a time when supporters were not permitted into stadiums. United lost 1-0 against fellow relegation candidates Fulham at Craven Cottage after Ademola Lookman netted the games’ only goal on 61 minutes.

AFC Bournemouth’s defeat at Middlesbrough last Saturday gave Fulham a two-point lead at the top of the table ahead of tonight’s fixture at Craven Cottage, and will no doubt be looking to extend their lead heading into the Boxing Day schedule. With 51 goals scored, Fulham has netted the most goals thus far this season and has conceded 18 goals. Only West Bromwich Albion have conceded fewer. Fulham also boasts the league’s top scorer, Aleksandar Mitrovic, with 22 goals.

Fulham head into this game 11 league games unbeaten, although they have drawn their last consecutive fixtures, including their last outing, which ended in a 1-1 draw at Luton’s Kenilworth Road.

Fulham boss Marco Silva is expected to be without two key players with Harrison Reed (muscle) and Ivan Cavaliero (groin), both expected to be unavailable through injury.

Last Six Meetings

04.02.2014 – Fulham 0-1 Sheffield United (FA Cup Rd4 replay)
25.08.2015 – Fulham 3-0 Sheffield United (League Cup Rd2)
21.11.2017 – Sheffield United 4-5 Fulham (Championship)
06.03.2018 – Fulham 3-0 Sheffield United (Championship)
18.10.2020 – Sheffield United 1-1 Fulham (Premier League)
20.02.2021 – Fulham 1-0 Sheffield United (Premier League)

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