Aston Villa will be hosting Sheffield United on 17th June, in the first Premier League fixture post the long break due to the coronavirus lockdown.
Villa are currently 19th in the table, deep in the relegation zone and were struggling to gather points before the break. Sheffield United, on the other hand are 7th, in the top half of the table, aiming for a high finish in their first ever season in the Premier League under Chris Wilder.
Oli McBurnie was brought in by Wilder this season after the club got promoted to the top flight on a £17.5 million transfer fee. The Scotland international has been a regular part of the managers go-to eleven this season, and has quickly become a fan favourite amongst the Blades supporters. Sheffield have played wonderful and attractive football this season, and McBurnie has formed an outstanding partnership with Billy Sharp on the frontline.
Standing at 6ft 2in, Oli McBurnie is distinctive ace to deal with – he is one of those strapping leader upfront hustling with the defenders and a winners attitude. With likes of Fleck supporting him on second balls, the pair will be strenuous to keep at bay. When Oli features upfront, Wilder’s squad revolve around him with the Scot playing a Firmino-esque role in the build up.
Aston Villa are corresponding the Fulham road, spending a massive £150 million in the summer and are placed nineteenth in the table with 25 points. The Villans are one of England’s historic clubs but have struggled lately looking relentless yet they’d have to walk in every match like a knock-out and slip up in one can end up costing them their top flight status.
READ: Sander Berge or John Lundstram? Who should start for Sheffield United at Villa Park
Egyptian winger Trézéguet was Dean Smith’s ninth signing in the summer and has featured in regularly for the Birmingham based side. The 25-year-old was signed from Kasimpasa in Turkey for a £8.5 million fee and his performances this season have justified the price.
Trézéguet recently talked about how they are ready to go out and fight their way out of the bottom three, “I do believe this break could give us a fresh start to play the final 10 games of the season, and give everyone a chance to reset.”
“We went through a tough period before the season stopped, and this break would allow the likes of John McGinn, who is a key player for us, get back to full fitness and help us for the final 10 games. We do have a strong team spirit in the team.”
Trezeguet recently scored a fantastic goal against Leicester City in a friendly match in preparation for the restart, and he looks ready for the upcoming fight for the Premier League status.
He had 25 goals and 17 assists in his last two seasons in the Turkish league, and has the ability to deliver key passes to the other forwards with a terrific work-rate and fantastic dribbling skills.
The Egyptian is a versatile forward who can feature along the offensive line and his in-game presence is rather more of a direct winger. Trézéguet has netted four goals this season along with three assists for the Villans.
It’ll be interesting to look at how the two forwards face-off on Wednesday at Villa Park and whose team comes out on top. Both teams still have much to fight for in the league and we can expect a terrific first match after the three month long stoppage
