Tottenham Hotspur vs Sheffield United: Match Preview | Premier League 2023/24

Ashu Ranjeet
By Ashu Ranjeet
5 Min Read

The Premier League action resumes this weekend after the international break on matchday 5. Tottenham Hotspur is all set to host Sheffield United at home. Despite the departure of their talisman striker and captain Harry Kane, they are off to a flying start this season with three consecutive wins and now will be eyeing the fourth.

The new gaffer, Ange Postecoglou, has turned things around in fortune for Tottenham Hotspur, as they are sitting in second place on the table with 10 points in the first four games.

Another 3 points this weekend against Sheffield United on Saturday afternoon could see a record for Spurs as their best start to a league season in the last 57 years, since 1965.

On the other hand, The Blades are also dealing with injury concerns and have not won a match this season. The newly promoted team has one factor in their favor: Spurs have conceded nine goals during their last six Premier League games. Sheffield United has earned only a single point this season so far, which came in a 2-2 draw against Everton.

When and Where?

Where: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London
When: Saturday, 16 September, 2023.
Time: 3 PM BST

Match Officials

Referee: Peter Bankes.
Assistants: Eddie Smart & Nick Greenhalgh.
Fourth official: David Webb.
VAR: Graham Scott.
Assistant VAR: Constantine Hatzidakis.

Team news

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Bryan Gil, Giovani Lo Celso, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Ryan Sessegnon are still not available for selection in the Tottenham camp, The rest of the players are fit following the international break.

For Sheffield United, Rhian Brewster, Max Lowe, Daniel Jebbison, John Fleck, Rhys Llewelyn Norrington-Davies, and Ben Osborn will miss out on this trip due to injuries.

Match Analysis

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Spurs are now sitting in 2nd place in the table, sharing 10 points with third-place Liverpool. The Ange Postecoglou-led Spurs are clearly the favorites in this fixture, and they are expected to line up in their familiar 4-2-3-1 formation. Spurs have been playing an attractive brand of football under Ange Postecoglou, scoring 9 goals in 4 league games.

Heung-Min Son will be upfront as the sole striker, with Richarlison losing his place in the starting 11. Behind him, there will be a three-man midfield with the creative James Maddison as the number 10, flanked by Solomon and Kulusevski as wide midfielders. They will have two holding midfielders and a four-man backline.

Meanwhile, the Blades are also expected to use a 3-5-2 formation, against Spurs. Since their promotion, they have struggled to adjust to the high intensity imposed by Premier League football, which raises questions about their place in the league.

Their latest addition, Cameron Archer, made a phenomenal debut with a goal, and his creative ability could threaten the Spurs’ backline. It will be interesting to see if he can maintain his form in London.

Key Players

Son Heung-min

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Following Harry Kane’s departure, Son Heung-min has assumed the role of leading the attack while wearing the captain’s armband, playing as a striker

In the last Premier League outing for Spurs against Burnley, the South Korean international netted a hat trick and is currently in fine form. Son, on his return to club duties, will be looking to pick up where he left off before the international break.

The forward had some fitness concerns earlier, but he now seems to be in excellent condition and will undoubtedly start for Spurs in search of his fourth goal of the season. He will be aiming to capitalize on scoring opportunities while leading the attack.

Predicted Lineups

Spurs predicted starting lineup: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Sarr, Bissouma; Kulusevski, Maddison, Solomon; Son.

Sheffield United predicted starting lineup: Foderingham; Basham, Egan, Robinson; Baldock, Hamer, Souza, Norwood, Thomas; Archer, McBurnie.

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