After registering their first Premier League win in years, Marcelo Bielsa’s confident-looking side will next play their fierce rivals in the Sheffield United vs Leeds United fixture on Sunday in the Yorkshire derby. Sheffield and Leeds have been clashing since 1924 with 62 matches already played between them. The Peacocks lead the head-to-head with 30 wins and 23 draws.
SHEFFIELD UNITED
Getting promoted into England’s top-tier football last year, Sheffield United have made a lasting impression in the Premier League by finishing ninth last season. They were even close to sealing a European spot before the coronavirus-induced forced break sucked the momentum out of them. Sheffield United have started the 2020-21 season with consecutive losses – 2-0 at home to Wolves and 1-0 away at Aston Villa. It was followed by them crashing out of the EFL Carabao Cup against Burnley in the midweek game.
LEEDS UNITED
Leeds United, who had lost to Hull City in the EFL Cup second round, got rest this week as Marcelo Bielsa looks to continue his side’s relentless run in the Premier League that has already shaken defending champions, Liverpool. Leeds United opened their Premier League with a 3-4 defeat to Liverpool before scoring four goals in the second match to register a 4-3 win over Fulham. Hence, the momentum remains firmly with Leeds United ahead of the crunching derby on Sunday.
Recent history favours the visitors in the Sheffield United vs Leeds United matchup. Though Sheffield United have held their ground well when hosting Leeds United at Bramall Lane over the last two decades, Leeds had managed to stun the Blades in the 2018-19 season with a 1-0 win away from home. While Sheffield United currently reel at the 17th place in the Premier League points table, Leeds United boast of their 10th position despite not having the top-flight experience for 16 years.
PREDICTED LINE-UP
Sheffield United (3-5-2): Aaron Ramsdale (GK), Jack O’Connell, Chris Basham, Ethan Ampadu, George Baldock, Sander Berge, John Lundstram, John Fleck, Enda Stevens, Oliver Burke, David McGoldrick
Leeds United (4-1-4-1): Illan Meslier (GK), Stuart Dallas, Liam Cooper (C), Robin Koch, Luke Ayling, Kalvin Phillips, Jack Harrison, Helder Costa, Mateusz Klich, Patrick Bamford, Tyler Roberts
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