Sheffield United will be coming into this one desperate for a win after a sore piece of divine intervention cost them victory over strugglers Aston Villa.
In their way stand Newcastle United, who find themselves all but safe as they sit pretty in 13th place, eight points clear of the drop. However, for most of their players, it’s not quite time to hit the beach; with an impending club takeover meaning summer investment in top talent, players and staff will be desperate to ensure a strong end to the season and boost their future prospects at the club.
Must-Win for Sheffield United as They Travel to St James’ Park
Make or Break
Sheffield United will need to win this game if they are to qualify for Europe this season. Steve Bruce has done a decent enough job on Tyneside this year, but Chris Wilder will know that this Newcastle side are there for the taking.
Plus, with games against Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur in their next three fixtures, a win would give the Blades a psychological and positional advantage heading into the business end of the season. For this match in particular, Wilder will need to find a new way of breaking down defences, with his side only mustering a singular shot on goal against Villa.
It’s all talk over takeovers at Newcastle after a new competitor for purchasing the club emerged earlier this week. Manager Steve Bruce, as well as players like Joelinton and Miguel Almiron, will need to prove that they have the quality to match the ambitions of the new owners, who will hope to take the club towards challenging for European places. Goalless striker Andy Carroll is available for action, who is out of contract this summer; he’ll be looking to prove he is still worth investing in.
Team News
Newcastle are without wing-back Jetro Willems after he suffered cruciate ligament rupture in January. Star man Martin Dubravka could return in goal after a knee injury sidelined him in March. Meanwhile, Andy Carroll and Emil Krafth are expected to return to the squad.
The Longstaff brothers are also “there or there abouts in terms of availability,” despite missing recent friendly matches, and all eyes will be on younger sibling Matty amid surprise interest from Serie A outfit Udinese.
Striker Dwight Gayle and wide man Matt Ritchie are both doubts. But, Ciaran Clark may return to the squad after an injury against Arsenal in February looked to have ended his season.
Sheffield United fans will be desperate to see John Fleck back in the line-up, with the midfielder’s goal threat massively missed from the draw with Villa. Defender Jack O’Connell is also in contention; Chris Wilder is “hopeful” he will have recovered from a “contact injury” in time for kick-off. Jack Robinson, who impressed against Villa, will likely retain his spot at left wing-back if O’Connell is absent, with Enda Stevens filling in at centre-back. Striker David McGoldrick is also in contention.
Prediction
With or without O’Connell, The Blades’ solid defence should have no trouble handling an unthreatening Newcastle attack. But, the question is whether they can penetrate Bruce’s well-drilled backline. John Fleck’s fitness could well make the difference in this one; don’t expect too many goals.
Newcastle United 0-1 Sheffield United.
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