West Brom welcome Sheffield United to the Hawthorns as the Premier League’s bottom two face off in a monumental clash at the wrong end of the table tonight
The winless sides have collected just four points from a possible 54 between them and are both in desperate need of wins to get their campaigns up and running.
The hosts are just better off than their visitors, who have just a solitary point to their name.
It puts even more pressure on this clash with the Blades as Albion aim to avoid failing to win any of their first ten league games in a season for just a second time in their history.
Team News
The hosts are sweating on the fitness of Kieran Gibbs and Jake Livermore after the duo tested positive for COVID-19 prior to last week’s 1-0 defeat at Manchester United.
Sam Field is the Baggies’ only fitness doubt, with Hal Robson-Kanu and Callum Robinson now available for selection once again.
The Blades have received a timely boost with Lys Mousset back in contention following a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Summer signing Rhian Brewster is nearing full fitness and may start right from the off. Enda Stevens is expected to feature but Ethan Ampadu is doubtful after limping off against West Ham.
Predicted Lineups
West Brom: Johnstone; Furlong, Ajayi, Bartley, Townsend; Pereira, Sawyers, Krovinovic, Gallagher, Diangana; Grant.
Sheffield United: Ramsdale; Basham, Egan, Robinson; Baldock, Berge, Norwood, Fleck, Lowe; McBurnie, McGoldrick.
Recent Form
Since picking up the last their last point in a 1-1 draw at Brighton, Slaven Bilic’s side have lost to Fulham, Tottenham and Manchester United.
The Baggies have failed to score in all three of those defeats and have just six goals to their name all season, only two more than their relegation-threatened mates Sheffield United.
The Blades are without a win in their opening nine matches and have avoided defeat just once so far, in a 1-1 draw with Fulham last month.
Chris Wilder’s men have lost four in a row since that draw, albeit against rather difficult opposition, but they have to start winning games soon if they are to turn a corner.
Here’s how both sides have fared in their last five games in all competitions.
West Brom
Manchester United 1-0 West Brom (21/11)
West Brom 0-1 Tottenham (8/11)
Fulham 2-0 West Brom (2/11)
Brighton 1-1 West Brom (26/10)
West Brom 0-0 Burnley (19/10)
Sheffield United
Sheffield United 0-1 West Ham (22/11)
Chelsea 4-1 Sheffield United (7/11)
Sheffield United 0-1 Manchester City (31/10)
Liverpool 2-1 Sheffield United (24/10)
Sheffield United 1-1 Fulham (18/10)
Prediction
It is an understatement that both sides are in a dire need of points. While Albion haven’t been shy in conceding goals, United haven’t been all that clinical in front of goal.
The confidence boost that the winners of the fixture will receive may be worth more than the three points. But with a fairly even and cagey contest expected, don’t be surprised if the spoils are shared on Saturday night.
Prediction: West Brom 1-1 Sheffield United
Where to Watch
When Is Kick Off? Saturday 28 November
What Time Is Kick Off? 20:00 (GMT)
Where Is it Played? The Hawthorns
TV Channel/Live Stream? Sky Sports Main Event (UK), fuboTV (US)
Referee? Mike Dean
