So-called “expert” pundits have given their opinion on the result of Sheffield United v Manchester United this weekend.
Going into Sunday’s match at Bramall Lane, the Blades sit two places and a point ahead of their opponents in fifth. They have already beaten Arsenal, Burnley and Crystal Palace at home this season.
They have also lost three times at the ground, beaten by Leicester City, Southampton and Liverpool.
Yet their opponents haven’t been in great form on the road. West Ham United, Bournemouth and Newcastle United have triumphed over them on their travels. Meanwhile, Palace won at Old Trafford.
The outcome of this fixture might not be so easy to predict. Despite the Blades being newly promoted and Man United being a well established top six side.
Well, as always, Mark Lawrenson has had a go for BBC Sport. Charlie Nicholas has also voiced his view for Sky Sports.
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Predictions for Sheffield United v Manchester United
Here is what Lawro thinks:
“Sheffield United have been brilliant so far this season but Manchester United are starting to look like a better team, just because Anthony Martial is fit again.
“United’s other attacking players – Marcus Rashford and Daniel James – are also looking very sharp.
“I’ve already mentioned a couple of managers facing their old teams this weekend, but this game sees a return to a former club for a player – Manchester United’s Harry Maguire, who started his career with the Blades.
“I think Maguire will leave with the points.”
Lawro thinks the Red Devils will win 2-0. However, if all his predictions had been correct the Blades would have just seven points this term, rather than 17.
Nicholas is a little more positive:
“Sheffield United are fifth and Manchester United sit in seventh. Who has more energy? Sheffield United. Who has more passion? Sheffield United.
“I do feel that Man Utd will be vulnerable to this energy level as they can become moody, but they will get something from it nevertheless.
“The back three are very good at what they do but John Egan has been one of the players of the season. The others have been great but he is calm, aggressive when he needs to be and gets his teammates into position – they are well-organised and drilled. For that reason, I think they will get a draw.”
Nicholas has gone for a 1-1 draw. That was also what he predicted for the Blades’ visit to Tottenham Hotspur in their last outing, getting it spot on.
Unfortunately that was only the second point he guessed Chris Wilder’s side would get in the entirety of 2019/20 to date.