Two of the Premier League’s least effective attacks face off on Sunday afternoon when Sheffield United make the trip north to face Newcastle United.
The pair have just 55 goals combined this season, fewer than Manchester City, Liverpool and Leicester City have each scored, with Newcastle’s 25 strikes the joint-fewest in the top-flight.
Sheffield United drew 0-0 at Aston Villa on Wednesday in the first game back following the enforced break, but were certainly hard done by after goal-line technology failed to grant them a legitimate goal.
Newcastle United vs Sheffield United Latest Odds
Despite that, the Blades sit just one point off the Champions League places and are 5/4 (2.25) with bet365 to continue their push for European football by taking three points back to South Yorkshire.
Newcastle are largely in no-man’s land with an eight-point buffer over 18th but also eight points behind seventh, and are available at 12/5 (3.40) to complete the double over the Blades.
No team has drawn more away games than Sheffield United this season and it is 21/10 (3.10) that they record a ninth stalemate.
Newcastle United vs Sheffield United Team News
Ciaran Clark is out for the Magpies, whilst Paul Dummett is unregistered. Martin Dubravka is unlikely to feature whilst Christian Atsu and Dwight Gayle both missed the 2-0 friendly win over Hull last week.
John Fleck should be back for Chris Wilder’s side after missing the 0-0 draw at Villa Park but the manager is waiting on the fitness of Jack O’Connell, who also missed out.
Newcastle United vs Sheffield United Preview
Sheffield United’s improbable season took a blow on Wednesday when they were denied what could have been the winning goal, and it might be another tight affair in the north-east on Sunday.
No team has a better home defensive record than Newcastle this season, with the Magpies shipping just 12, and also keeping a clean sheet in each of their last three at St James’ Park prior to the break.
The Blades will likely struggle to make their mark on a staunch defence considering they have scored just 13 away goals all season, scoring once or fewer in 11 of their 14 games.
There are unlikely to be many goals at the other end either, with Newcastle scoring just 12 at home – the joint-lowest mark in the league – while Wilder’s men have the second-best away defence behind only Liverpool.
Newcastle United vs Sheffield United Tips and Predictions
With that in mind, it should be a hard-fought clash on Sunday and the value lies with under 2.0 goals at Evens (2.0) on the Asian Lines. This will pay out in full if there are one or fewer goals in the game, while exactly two strikes will see the stake returned.
Under 2.0 goals at Evens (2.0) for a 2pt stake with bet365 