High flying Sheffield United will lock horns with Manchester City in an attempt to pile more misery on the Citizens at the Bramall Lane on Tuesday.
Manchester City endured a disappointing end to their last game in the Premier League when Fernandinho’s own-goal leveled things for Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium.
Sheffield United earned a hard fought point at the Emirates Stadium when John Fleck’s deflected shot in the 83rd minute of the game made sure the match ended one all, leaving the Blades unbeaten in their last three games in all competitions.
It is looking increasingly unlikely for Manchester City to catch runaway leaders Liverpool, with the Reds now stretching the lead at the top to 16 with a game in hand.
Chris Wilder’s side have the needed character to fight a City side that has really struggled to shrug off opposing teams that are likely to hit them on the counter-attack.
WHEN AND WHERE?
Venue: Bramall Lane
Date: Tuesday, January 21
Time: 7:30 PM
Sheffield United have faced Man City more often without victory in the Premier League than they have versus any other side (7 – D3 L4).
Man City are looking to win three consecutive away league games against Sheffield United for the first time since a run of four between 1905 and 1908.
Manchester City have won each of their last five Premier League games in Yorkshire, as many as they had in their previous 20 in the county in the top-flight (W5 D6 L9).
Man City lost their last evening kick-off in the Premier League, 2-3 against Wolves. They’ve not lost consecutive games kicking off at 7pm or later in the competition since April 2007.
Sheffield United have won just one of their last 15 league games against reigning top-flight champions (D3 L11), losing their last five in a row without scoring. Their only victory in that run was at home to Leeds in April 1993 (2-1).
TEAM NEWS
David McGoldrick will be assessed before the game after the striker missed the draw at Arsenal with a foot injury. Wilder will be hoping there will be positivity around the camp of McGoldrick on his availability.
Having suffered a leg injury in the game against Crystal Palace, John Stones will be set for fitness test together with Benjamin Mendy to check their availability. The game against Sheffield will come too early Aymeric Laporte who is gradually gaining fitness having recovered from his injury while Leroy Sane is still out on the sidelines.
POSSIBLE STARTING LINEUPS
Sheffield United: Henderson; Basham, Egan, O’Connell; Baldock, Lundstram, Norwood, Fleck, Stevens; Mousset, McBurnie
Man City: Ederson; Cancelo, Stones, Fernandinho, Mendy; De Bruyne, Rodri, Gundogan; Sterling, Aguero, Mahrez
PREDICTION
Sheffield United 1-2 Manchester City
