Sheffield Utd vs Newcastle prediction: ENGLAND: Premier League betting tips on match 2023-09-23 15:30.
Sheffield United found out just how cruel football can be in their previous outing as they lost 2-1 away to Tottenham after conceding twice beyond the 97th minute. That result left the Blades still winless in the Premier League (PL) after five rounds (D1, L4), a carbon copy to their start during their last top-flight campaign in 2020/21 which ultimately saw them finish rock bottom of the final standings.
Fighting off the dreaded drop is ultimately the only aim for boss Paul Heckingbottom this campaign, though his side’s slow start has already prompted reports suggesting that his sacking is near imminent. His squad have rallied behind him since and a return to Bramall Lane could deliver their first win if they can recapture their league form from last season that saw them lose just four times across 23 Championship outings here (W16, D3).
Visitors Newcastle United ended their 20-year Champions League hiatus during the week by going toe-to-toe with Italian giants AC Milan to claim a point in Group F action at the San Siro (0-0). That draw earned them their first positive result on the road this season, as their prior two Premier League away days both ended in defeat – form which needs improvement if another top four finish is the aim given that they lost just three times away from home all last season in the PL (W8, D8)!
Howe was nonetheless impressed with a “good second half display” in Milan despite fatigue setting in, believing the players will share his “pride in the result and the performance”. The Magpies could draw further inspiration for this Sunday clash from their recent H2H record against their Yorkshire opposition. That’s because Eddie Howe’s side have won six out of their last seven league meetings with the Blades (D1), with four of those being accompanied by a clean sheet.
Players to watch: Sheffield United’s Gustavo Hamer netted last round to double his PL tally for the season, with both strikes being recorded after half-time in 2-1 losses. Similarly, Callum Wilson’s three PL goals this season have come after the break, whilst he also struck in two of his five prior H2Hs.
Hot stat: Newcastle are unbeaten across their prior 14 PL matches against newly promoted sides (W7, D7).