Sheffield United vs Brighton predicted XIs: Confirmed team news and probable lineups
Sheffield United still have some hope of avoiding relegation after the Blades beat relegation rivals Luton 3-1 last weekend but the positive feeling may not last long against Brighton.
Sheffield United have conceded 60 goals in 24 Premier League matches this season and the Seagulls will be looking to put a few more on that tally on Sunday.
Chris Wilder wants to emulate Jurgen Klopp
After a 3-1 away win against relegation rivals Luton last weekend, Sheffield United’s chances of the great escape increased, but it will only matter if they continue to get results, starting with this weekends game against Brighton.
During his pre-match press conference, manager Chris Wilder explained the importance of momentum and how he wants to bring ‘heavy metal football’ back.
“We’re after a win and if we get it that would be incredible and if we get a result then I’m sure we can use that again like we have done in the Luton game.” he said.
“It’s difficult to get a point in the Premier League, difficult to get three points in the Premier League, difficult to beat a really talented side with an exceptional manager in the Premier League and we’re going to have to do a lot of things right when it comes to getting what we want out of the game at the final whistle.”
“Hopefully the supporters will see that and understand it. We all want to see what Jurgen Klopp calls ‘heavy metal football’. We all aspire to that. I’d love my team to go out and play like that, but they’ve built that team over an enormous amount of years and have been super-successful under Jurgen and the players they bring in and how they develop it. But we have to be realistic. We’re in the Premier League. It’s not me being defeatist, it’s not being negative. We understood what can happen when we lost our shape against Villa.”
“The knowledge of the crowd is incredibly important on Sunday because I could set my team up just to go and get after Brighton. I could say we’re going to go full press, man-for-man, stop them playing out from the back, we’re going to get after them and stand on the halfway line – and I know what’s going to happen. The way Brighton play, the way they move the ball, the way they want the game to be – they want that game. You have to make sure you get your plan right and you are patient. That doesn’t mean you are passive.”
Team News
Sheffield United are likely to be without George Baldock and John Egan. Oli McBurnie has missed the Blades’ last two matches with a calf injury but the forward could return on Sunday.
Brighton will be without Julio Enciso and James Milner for the trip to Bramall Lane. Joao Pedro missed the Seagulls’ visit to Spurs last weekend and a hamstring injury looks set to keep the Brazilian out for an extended period.
Predicted XIs for both teams
Sheffield United (5-4-1): Foderingham; Bogle, Holgate, Ahmedhodzic, Robinson, Norrington-Davies; McAtee, Sousa, Hamer, Osborn; Archer.
Brighton (4-2-3-1): Steele; Lamptey, Dunk, Van Hecke, Estupinan; Gross, Gilmour; Buonanotte, Lallana, Mitoma; Ferguson.
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