Sheffield United vs Burnley preview, predictions & possible XIs
Sheffield United will be looking to continue their decent start to the Premier League season when they host Burnley on Saturday.
The Blades are currently eighth in the table, level on points with Manchester United, having won three, drawn four and lost three of their opening 10 games; that is the highest place of the three promoted sides.
They are just one point ahead of their opponents this weekend, but Burnley have lost their past two games and must get their season back on track quickly to avoid a relegation battle.
Read on for Sheffield United vs Burnley predictions, preview and team news.
When is Sheffield vs United?
Competition: Premier League
Venue: Bramall Lane
Date: Saturday, 2 November 2019
Kick-off: 3:00 PM (GMT)
TV coverage (UK): N/A.
Last five meetings: Sheffield United vs Burnley
1 January 2011: Burnley 4-2 Sheffield United (Championship)
16 October 2010: Sheffield United 3-3 Burnley (Championship)
25 May 2009: Burnley 1-0 Sheffield United (Championship play-offs)
20 April 2009: Burnley 1-0 Sheffield United (Championship)
6 December 2008: Sheffield United 2-3 Burnley (Championship)
Aggregate Score: Sheffield United (LDLLL) 7-12 Burnley (WDWWW)
Ones to watch
Sheffield United: Lys Mousset
Summer signing Lys Mousset has had a slow start to life at Sheffield United, starting just one Premier League game so far. But the Frenchman has not let this dictate his on-pitch performances.
Mousset has scored three goals in the Premier League, two of which came from substitute appearances. The other was the only strike in Sheffield United’s 1-0 win over Arsenal last month.
Whether the 23-year-old starts or comes on from the bench against Burnley this weekend, he will certainly be one for the Clarets’ defence to keep an eye on, scoring with three of his shot total shots in the Premier League this season.
Key stat: Lys Mousset has scored in each of his past two Sheffield United appearances.
Burnley: Dwight McNeil
If Burnley want to get something against the joint-best defence in the Premier League, they will need Dwight McNeil to be on form.
The 19-year-old is Burnley’s most exciting attacking player and got his first goal of the season last weekend, albeit only a consolation, as reward for his hard work.
Creating 11 chances in total, only Ashley Westwood has been more creative for Burnley so far this season, but McNeil might be the key to unlocking Sheffield United’s back three.
Key stat: No Burnley player has recorded more Premier League assists this season than Dwight McNeil’s three.
Team news
Sheffield United
Sheffield United should be able to call upon Callum Robinson despite being taken off early in the second half against West Ham United last weekend.
Chris Wilder believes Mousset is still not yet ready to play a full 90 minutes, but the Frenchman could be in contention for just a second Premier League start.
Predicted XI: Henderson; O’Connell, Basham, Egan; Baldock, Fleck, Lundstram, Norwood, Stevens; Mousset, McGoldrick.
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Burnley
Chris Wood remains a doubt for Burnley’s trip to Sheffield United, having missed last weekend’s defeat to Chelsea through a hamstring injury. Jay Rodriguez should continue in his absence. Ashley Barnes came off early in that game but is expected to return.
But Burnley will definitely be without Danny Drinkwater and Johann Berg Gudmundsson, with the former still recovering from an ankle injury despite returning to training.
Predicted XI: Pope; Lowton, Tarkowski, Mee, Pieters; McNeil, Cork, Westwood, Hendrick; Barnes, Rodriguez.
Squawka prediction
Despite beating Arsenal at Bramall Lane, Sheffield United do not have the greatest home record in the Premier League. The Blades have won two and lost three of their five home games so far. On the other hand, it appears now is the ideal time to play this Burnley side.
The Clarets go into Saturday’s game still awaiting their first away win in the Premier League, drawing three and losing two so far. With Sheffield United’s stingy defence thrown into the equation, there may be nothing to separate these two sides.
Scoreline prediction: Sheffield United 0-0 Burnley
