Newcastle United vs Sheffield United

Newcastle United will be looking to consolidate their pursuit of European qualification when they take on Premier League basement boys Sheffield United at St James’ Park.

Newcastle United’s hopes of securing Champions League qualification are dead in the water after a 2-0 midweek loss at Crystal Palace left them a whopping ten points adrift of fifth-placed Tottenham and three short of sixth-placed Manchester United. The impending home return can bring the smile back to Eddie Howe’s face, with his side going unbeaten in their last six home league outings (W3, D3), including a scintillating 4-0 demolition of Spurs in their most recent such contest. Adding to Howe’s confidence, Newcastle thrashed Sheffield United 8-0 in the reverse fixture, registering their joint-biggest top-flight victory while making it seven wins in their last eight H2Hs against the Blades. Another free-scoring appearance could be in store, considering the Magpies have bagged 3+ goals in four of their previous six home league matches.

On the other hand, Sheffield United’s last-ditch attempt to avoid relegation hit a brick wall in midweek as they spurned the lead twice in a 4-2 defeat at Manchester United, extending their losing streak to three matches. Another loss here would confirm United’s relegation and only a miracle can save them now, not least because they bid to end a ten-game winless Premier League streak against one of the division’s best home teams (D3, L7). The Blades’ well-documented defensive woes have seen them allow 2+ goals in nine of those ten winless outings, contributing to a dreadful tally of 92 goals conceded this season! As if that’s not troubling enough for the league’s worst travelers, three of United’s four visits to St James’ Park in the Premier League era have seen them lose without scoring.