Sheffield United welcome Everton to Bramall Lane on Monday evening, with the hosts pushing for a finish in the top six.
The Blades suffered a major blow to their European aspirations after a frustrating defeat away to Leicester City in midweek. Sheffield are now 8th, two points away from Wolves in 6th, and Chris Wilder’s side need two victories from their remaining games to give themselves the best chance of reaching Europe.
Carlo Ancelotti’s team were held to a draw by a lacklustre Aston Villa squad on Wednesday, meaning that the Toffees have picked up just two points from their last fixtures.
Everton are currently 11th, stuck in mid-table having endured a disappointing season so far, and have very little to play for in their last two fixtures.
When and Where?
When: Monday, July 20
Where: Bramall Lane
Time: 18:00 GMT
Recent Form
Sheffield United – (W D W W L)
Chris Wilder was highly critical of his players after the loss against Leicester, and slammed them for acting like individuals and giving in too easily.
Sheffield have pulled off some very good results against the likes of Chelsea, Wolves, Arsenal and Tottenham in recent weeks, but Thursday’s loss has left them two points adrift of Wolves in the second Europa league spot.
Everton – (W L D L D)
After a decent start to their league campaign post lockdown, Everton are now winless in their last four games. There is much work to be done to the squad if the Toffees want to compete for a top-six spot next season, and Carlo Ancelotti will use these last two fixtures to assess his player’s futures at the club.
Team News
Sheffield United have no new injury concerns, with manager Chris Wilder commenting “if you don’t make a tackle, you can’t get injured”, after their last fixture against Leicester.
Wilder is expected to make major changes to the lineup after a disappointing loss last week, Lys Mousset and John Fleck are expected to start on Monday.
Everton will be without defenders Mason Holgate and Yerry Mina, while midfielder Fabian Delph is expected to be sidelined for their final two games of the season.
With Michael Keane the only other senior centre-half in the squad, youngster Jarrad Branthwaite can make his full Premier League debut for the Toffees.
Predicted Lineup
Sheffield United – Henderson; Basham, Egan, O’Connell; Baldock, Fleck, Norwood, Berge, Stevens; McBurnie, Mousset.
Everton – Pickford; Coleman, Keane, Branthwaite, Digne; Walcott, Davies, Gomes, Iwobi; Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin.
SCORE PREDICTION
Sheffield United 3-0 Everton