Man City vs Sheff Utd preview, predictions & possible XIs
Manchester City‘s defeat at Molineux means that their title defence is more or less over before the start of 2020.
Despite having goalkeeper Ederson sent off within the first 12 minutes, Pep Guardiola‘s side claimed a 2-0 lead thanks to a combination of VAR and Raheem Sterling. However, Wolves’ numerical advantage eventually told as Adama Traore, Raul Jimenez and Matt Doherty scored without reply as Nuno’s side put another huge dent in Man City’s title hopes.
Sheffield Utd will have been disappointed not to pick up all three points against Watford in a game which they totally dominated. Their home form has, surprisingly, let them down this season – the Blades are unbeaten away from home.
Chris Wilder’s men will certainly fancy their chances against a Man City side who are arguably the most vulnerable they’ve ever been under Guardiola.
When is Man City vs Sheffield Utd and where can I watch live?
Competition: Premier League
Venue: Etihad Stadium
Date: Sunday, 29 December 2019
Kick-off: 6:00 PM (UK time)
TV coverage (UK): N/A
Last five meetings: Man City vs Sheffield Utd
27 January 2008: Sheffield Utd 2-1 Man City (FA Cup)
26 December 2006: Sheffield Utd 0-1 Man City (Premier League)
14 October 2006: Man City 0-0 Sheffield Utd (Premier League)
1 January 2002: Sheffield Utd 1-3 Man City (Division One)
16 October 2001: Man City 0-0 Sheffield Utd (Division One)
Aggregate Score: Man City (LWDWD) 5-3 Sheffield Utd (WLDLD)
Ones to watch
Man City: Sergio Aguero
Sergio Aguero was the unfortunate victim of Ederson’s sending off, as his return from injury was cut short as Claudio Bravo was sent on to replace him. The Argentinian is in line to start again on Sunday and will be desperate to help his team get out of the sticky situation they are currently in.
Key stat: Sergio Aguero has only scored one goal in his last eight Premier League appearances.
Sheffield Utd: George Baldock
Not many individuals have been getting the recognition they deserve for Sheffield Utd’s sensational return to the top flight and George Baldock certainly falls into that category. His work-rate up and down the right has been invaluable for Wilder, whilst his goal contributions haven’t gone amiss either.
Key stat: Only Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson have directly contributed to more goals from defence than George Baldock (six).
Team news
Man City
Bravo is set to start in goal following Ederson’s sending off against Wolves. Gabriel Jesus, David Silva and John Stones are all doubts.
Predicted XI: Bravo, Cancelo; Fernandinho, Otamendi, Zinchenko; Rodri; Mahrez, Gundogan, De Bruyne, Sterling; Aguero.
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Sheffield Utd
Chris Wilder is likely to rotate his side. Simon Moore is a doubt.
Predicted XI: Henderson; Basham, Egan, O’Connell; Baldock, Lundstram, Norwood, Freeman, Stevens; Mousset, McGoldrick.
Squawka prediction
Sheffield Utd will go to the Etihad full of belief that they can get something – and rightly so. Man City can be irresistible at home but, at the moment, you just don’t know which Man City will turn up.
Scoreline prediction: Man City 2-2 Sheffield Utd
