Sheffield United head into the Christmas period without a single Premier League victory so far this season. They have acuminated two points, picked up against Fulham and Brighton, but if they are to be successful in a relegation dog fight they must start winning matches – starting with our Boxing Day opponents Everton.
Chris Wilder may look to selecting Jayden Bogle over the next few fixtures with Everon, Burnley and Crystal Palace all coming thick and fast over the next 7 days. The former Derby winger came off the bench last Sunday to make his Premier League debut and, with the aid of a deflection, netted United’s goal which looked to settle the tie at Brighton. However, the script would have it that Danny Welbeck, another substitute, would pounce with three minutes remaining to deny the Blades the opportunity to claim maximum points for the first time this season.
There is the old tale that the team that is bottom of the Premier League in the New Year, will be relegated. To date, the only team who has overcome this legend was West Bromwich Albion in 2005, under then-boss Bryan Robson. At the time of writing, the Blades are ten points away from getting out of the bottom three. A quick turn of events doesn’t make the task impossible, but United need to start winning games ASAP, before its too late.
United will be without midfielders Sander Berge and John Lundstram ahead of the Boxing day clash with Everton. Berge, the Norwegian is sidelined with a thigh injury he sustained in the 3-2 defeat to Manchester United and is expected to be sidelined for three months. Lunstram was sent off in the 1-1 draw with Brighton and will serve a three-match suspension.
They are also without Kean Bryan (calf strain), whilst Jack O’Connell (knee) is 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.
Past Premier League Results… vs. Everton
1992/93 – Bramall Lane (W 1-0), Goodison Park (W 2-0)
1993/94 – Bramall Lane (D 1-1), Goodison Park (L 2-4)
2006/07 – Bramall Lane (D 1-1), Goodison Park (L 0-2)
2019/20 – Bramall Lane (L 0-1), Goodison Park (W 2-0)
Last Time
Sheffield United 0-1 Everton – 20.07.2020 – Premier League
Forthcoming Blades Fixtures;
29 Dec – Burnley (a) 18:00
02 Jan – Crystal Palace (a) 15:00
09 Jan – Bristol Rovers (a) 15:00 – FAC3
12 Jan – Newcastle United (h) 18:00
17 Jan – Tottenham Hotspur (h) 14:00
27 Jan – Manchester United (a) 20:15
30 Jan – Manchester City (a) 15:00