Sheffield Utd vs Norwich City predictions, team news & possible XIs
Sheffield United and Norwich City are both on the hunt for points this weekend for very different reasons.
The Blades remain in the race for Champions League qualification, while Daniel Farke’s strugglers are still full of belief they can pull away from the relegation places despite sitting bottom of the table.
But will Chris Wilder’s men break Norwich hearts or can the Canaries spring a surprise at Bramall Lane?
Read on for our preview, predictions, team news, possible XIs and more.
When is Sheffield Utd vs Norwich City and where can I watch live?
Competition: Premier League
Venue: Bramall Lane
Date: Saturday, 7 March 2020
Kick-off: 3:00 PM (UK time)
TV coverage (UK): N/A
Last five meetings: Sheffield Utd vs Norwich City
8 December 2019: Norwich City 1-2 Sheffield Utd (Premier League)
26 January 2019: Norwich City 2-2 Sheffield Utd (Championship)
18 August 2018: Sheffield Utd 2-1 Norwich City (Championship)
20 January 2018: Norwich City 1-2 Sheffield Utd (Championship)
16 September 2017: Sheffield Utd 0-1 Norwich City (Championship)
Aggregate Score: Sheffield Utd (WDWWL) 8-6 Norwich City (LDLLW)
Ones to watch
Sheffield Utd: Chris Basham
As one of Sheffield United’s unique overlapping centre-backs, Basham could have an important offensive job to do against Norwich.
If the visitors’ defenders are as tired as they looked in extra-time against Tottenham, Sheffield United could have plenty of luck overloading the Norwich penalty area – and Basham will be at the heart of that.
But he’ll also have to be wary of the threat Pukki poses at the opposite end of the pitch.
Key stat: Only three players have made more interceptions than Basham (58) in the Premier League this term.
Norwich City: Todd Cantwell
If Emiliano Buendia doesn’t recover from a muscle injury in time, there will be extra pressure on Todd Cantwell to be the creative outlet for Norwich.
Other than Buendia, Cantwell has created the most chances for Norwich this term, and Pukki will be relying on the England Under-21 international to provide opportunities for him at Bramall Lane.
Like many others, Cantwell looked tired in extra-time against Spurs and there will be questions marks over whether he has enough in the tank to put in an instrumental display as required.
Key stat: Only Buendia (71) has created more chances than Cantwell (31) for Norwich in the Premier League this season.
Team news
Sheffield Utd
Sheffield United have no injuries after John Fleck and Enda Stevens were not risked in the FA Cup – both are fit to face Norwich. There should be a few changes to the team that beat Reading.
Predicted XI: Henderson; Basham, Egan, O’Connell; Baldock, Berge, Norwood, Fleck, Stevens; Mousset, McBurnie.
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Norwich City
A number of Norwich players suffered from cramp against Tottenham but Farke cannot afford to rest his stars. Buendia limped off at Spurs and is a doubt, but Christoph Zimmermann is closing in on a return from injury.
Pukki was rested in midweek and should return to the line-up.
Predicted XI: Krul; Aarons, Hanley, Godfrey, Lewis; Tettey, McLean; Rupp, Duda, Cantwell; Pukki.
Squawka prediction
Norwich showed plenty of fighting spirit against Tottenham, but their efforts may have come at a cost. Many of the players looked completely zapped of energy by the end of extra-time, and Sheffield United should take advantage of their opponents’ fatigue with a relatively comfortable win on Saturday.
