The Blades travel to Spurs tomorrow and manager Chris Wilder will be well aware of the key clashes between his side the Mauricio Pochettino’s men.
It’s shaping up to be an excellent tie in north London. The Blades are in fine form, sitting sixth in the Premier League. Spurs, on the other hand, are struggling to pick up where they left off last season.
However, Pochettino’s men did pick up an impressive midweek win in the Champions League. Spurs ran out 4-0 winners, with Heung Min Son getting in on the scoring act.
Chris Wilder’s men will be looking to maintain their unbeaten away record. Three draws and a win at Everton have been instrumental in their success thus far.
It goes without saying that tomorrow is as tough as things get for the Blades. To get a result, they’ll need to be at their best and win individual battles.
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But what battles are going to be key? We here at SheffieldUnited.News took a look at the key clashes…
Harry Kane and John Egan
It’s an obvious place to start. But containing Kane is going to be key to United getting something from the game.
John Egan will be the man tasked with keeping him quiet in the main. The Irishman will be confident, however. Five clean-sheets this term have proved both Egan and his fellow defensive teammates can cut it in the top-flight.
It’s a real test for the Blades back-line. Strikers don’t come much better than Kane in the Premier League.
Middle of the park
This is one area that will worry Mauricio Pochettino. Spurs are not averse to changing their system and Pochettino might just match up with United’s three.
John Lundstram, Ollie Norwood, and John Fleck have been running games for the Blades. If they are afforded that same luxury tomorrow then the game could get away from Spurs.
Harry Winks will be the man tasked with keeping them quiet in the main, while a returning Eric Dier might also get the nod.
George Baldock and Danny Rose
Baldock has been nothing short of superb this season. Last weekend’s win over Burnley was a prime example of just how good Baldock can be down the right-hand side.
However, tomorrow he comes up against Danny Rose. An England international who also likes to fly forward when he can. Stopping Rose getting in behind could be key to another shut-out for the Blades.
Baldock’s already faced Andrew Robertson of Liverpool this season. In Danny Rose, he is coming up against someone who plays in a similar way.
It’s set to be an intriguing battle. Along with Enda Stevens on the opposite side, Baldock could be crucial in United getting a result.