Sheffield United meet Aston Villa tomorrow as two of last season’s promoted sides go head to head at Bramall Lane.
Sheffield United surrendered a three-goal lead against Aston Villa last season. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
Last season saw two exciting games between the pair. The game at Villa Park ended 3-3, with Dean Smith’s men fighting back in the final ten minutes to snatch an unlikely point.
However, the fixture at Bramall Lane was more of a routine win for the Blades. Chris Wilder’s men ran out 4-1 winners that day with Steve Bruce still in charge of proceedings.
Both sides come into the game having had different starts to the season. The Blades sit in eighth place in the Premier League table, while Villa, meanwhile, are struggling down in 17th.
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Team news, injuries, and suspensions
Chris Wilder’s team head into the tie with a fully fit squad to choose from. Chris Basham’s overturned red card from the game with Norwich means he is available.
Lys Mousset is also expected to be fit, despite limping off at Carrow Road on Sunday.
Lys Mousset should be fit for Saturday’s clash with Aston Villa (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)
For Villa, they are without key defender, Tyrone Mings. Mings suffered a hamstring injury and could now be missing until at least January, according to some reports. Matt Targett could also miss out having been withdrawn last time out.
Current form and last time out
Sheffield United head into the fixture with inconsistent home form. Despite being unbeaten away from home, the Blades have shipped points at home. Losses against Liverpool, Leicester, Southampton, and Newcastle have all been disappointing. They have, however, won against Palace, Burnley, and Arsenal.
Sheffield United have won three times at home this season. (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images)
Villa, on the other hand, have struggled away from home. Despite hammering Norwich 5-1, they have failed to win another game on the road. Their next best result being a 2-2 draw with Manchester United a few weeks back.
Last time out at Bramall Lane saw the Blades run out 4-1 winners. The home side were four to the good in under an hour, before Anwar El Ghazi got one goal back.
Our view and prediction
Sheffield United fans would love to see a home win. Last time out against Newcastle proved a massively frustrating night at the office.
This time around should be different. Villa don’t really know the meaning of sitting in and defending. This means they will likely attack, leaving space in behind for Chris Wilder’s men.
However, Dean Smith has some quality players in the ranks after spending around £100m in the summer. If Villa hit the right gear, they could take the game away from the Blades.
Jack Grealish is the obvious one to watch but with Tyrone Mings out, we’re backing Sheffield United to come out on top.
Our prediction – Sheffield United 3-1 Aston Villa
