Less than 48 hours after a historic 2-1 victory at Old Trafford, Chris Wilder will lead his Sheffield United side to the other side of town to take on the league leaders, Manchester City, in an intriguing top versus bottom clash on Saturday afternoon.
The hosts enter the tie having won in their last 11 outings across all competitions, including their last seven in the Premier League. Pep Guardiola’s side are brimming with confidence and their relentless form since the back end of November has seen them romp to the top of the pile, one point clear of second-placed Manchester United with a game in hand.
Where to Watch
When is Kick-Off? Saturday 30 January
What Time is Kick-Off? 15:00 (GMT)
Where is it Played? Etihad Stadium
TV Channel/ Live Stream? Sky Sports Premier League/Sky Sports Main Event (UK)
Referee? David Coote
Team News
Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Argentine forward Sergio Agüero is still self-isolating and has been ruled out for tomorrow’s meeting with the Blades. Kevin De Bruyne and Nathan Aké are still side-lined, but City otherwise have a fully-fit squad, during a period where fellow title-challengers are struggling with fitness issues to key players.
Sheffield United will hand ‘a few’ players late fitness tests said Wilder, in his pre-match press conference, but did not divulge any names, so it remains to be seen what names he could call upon as his side look to cause another upset at the top end of the table.
Predicted Line-ups
Manchester City: Ederson; João Cancelo, John Stones, Rúben Dias, Oleksandr Zinchenko; Bernardo Silva, Rodri Hernández, İlkay Gündoğan, Riyad Mahrez, Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden
Sheffield United: Aaron Ramsdale; John Egan, Ethan Ampadu, Chris Basham; George Baldock, Oliver Norwood, John Fleck, John Lundstram, Max Lowe; David McGoldrick, Oliver Burke
Recent Form
Manchester City
West Brom 0-5 Manchester City (26/01)
Cheltenham Town 1-3 Manchester City (23/01)
Manchester City 4-0 Crystal Palace (20/01)
Manchester City 2-0 Aston Villa (17/01)
Manchester City 1-0 Brighton (12/01)
Sheffield United
Manchester United 1-2 Sheffield United (27/01)
Sheffield United 2-1 Plymouth Argyle (23/01)
Sheffield United 1-3 Tottenham Hotspur (20/01)
Sheffield United 1-0 Newcastle (12/01)
Bristol Rovers 2-3 Sheffield United (09/01)
Prediction
Sheffield United have really turned a corner after a miserable start to their campaign, bagging four wins in their last five games across all competitions. However, City haven’t lost a competitive game since their 2-0 defeat to Spurs in late November and are looking the favourites to land the title in this strange season, despite not being able to call upon star names such as Kevin De Bruyne. Though Sheffield United have proved they are no pushovers, City will have too much firepower up front and we can expect a comfortable win for the Sky Blues.
Prediction: Manchester City 3-0 Sheffield United