Compulsory win for the hosts at Old Trafford?
If the definition of a slippery slope exists, then it probably has an appropriate example here. At least when it comes to the betting odds on Manchester United and Sheffield United, there are no two opinions on the outcome.
On the basis of their style of play and previous performances, the most exciting question is whether the Red Devils will take the task seriously. This will influence the game more than the visitors’ performance. Although they are trying hard, they lack the quality for the English top flight in many areas
A look at their recent performances, however, shows that too much euphoria is perhaps a little premature. The Blades have only picked up two points in the last five rounds. However, ManUtd are only marginally better with six points.
However, this seems to only marginally affect the odds for Manchester United vs Sheffield United.
Manchester United – Statistics & current form
The theater of dreams has a certain tendency to turn into a nightmare in recent history. Unfortunately, there are more than enough culprits.
What dominates the predictions at Manchester United and Sheffield United is the Red Devils’ meagre strike rate. 47 goals in 32 appearances is not an occassion in itself. If even teams with a wait-and-see attitude like West Ham (54) score more, then the first problem has been identified.
However, the principle of the game is also very unspectacular. The men from Old Trafford hope to achieve the greatest success by attacking down the left flank. Statistically at least, this flank is most frequently involved in profitable attacks.
From there, either crosses are sent towards the middle or the “cut-back” is forced. This brings the long-range shot into focus. This is also one of the most common methods of finding luck. Looking at the individualists, however, it is quite surprising that nothing more is possible
The defense is not at European level
However, the defensive weakness of the Red Devils also features in many predictions for Manchester United and Sheffield United. With 48 goals conceded in 32 games, they are not only well above the average of 1.0, but above all well behind the top three.
So if they are to celebrate another championship at Old Trafford, it will be all about defensive stability. ManUtd have to deal with both ball losses and their results. Attacks through the middle are just as problematic as shots from distance.
The opponent therefore repeatedly creates chances and these are often not defended well. Standards are one of the biggest problems. With so many problem areas, it can be scary. However, the biggest reason for optimism is probably the opponent and that is never a praise for your own performance.
Manchester United’s expected line-up:
Onana – Dalot, Kambwala, Maguire, Wan-Bissaka – Casemiro, Mainoo – Rashford, Fernandes, Garnacho – Hojlund
Sheffield United – Statistics & current form
The Blades have earned an exit from the Premier League like no other team in the current competition. The defense in particular is a disaster.
If there’s one thing that will increase hopes of an upset in the upcoming game, it’s definitely the defensive display. The problems of the hosts have already been discussed, but Sheffield United’s defensive record dwarfs everything else.
They have conceded a staggering 88 goals in their 33 appearances so far. With over 2.5 goals conceded per game, they either have the strongest forward line in the league or they will probably be relegated. The latter is to be expected. There is no form of attack that does not lead to problems.
Individualists tear holes just as big as attacks down the wings. And if the opponent’s shooters aren’t closed down, then goals will be scored with the greatest regularity. This could even cast a warm glow over a meagre storm like the one at Old Trafford
Sheffield in last place on offense
As if such a patchy defense wasn’t problem enough, it is combined with the most ramshackle offense in the entire competition. With 31 goals, not even 1.0 per game is enough
The problems are everywhere. When Premier League statistics databases don’t indicate any significant strengths in offense, the picture becomes even clearer. They don’t create many chances and those they do create don’t find the net.
What ultimately puts the crown on the whole mess is the approach to the game. The Black & Reds like to play in their own half and lose the ball there excessively often. As a result, the distances to the opponent’s goal are very large and to their own very small. So it’s a tragedy in several acts.
Predicted line-up for Sheffield United:
Grbic – Trusty, Ahmedhodzic, Bogle – Osborn, Hamer, Arblaster, Vini Souza, McAtee – McBurnie, Brereton Diaz
Manchester United – Sheffield United head-to-head / H2H record
In the duel between Manchester United and Sheffield United, odds on a winner should take precedence. At least if the history of the clash is taken into account. After the last ten matches, the score is 9:1 with 23:9 goals.
Sounds quite clear, but caution is advised. The first leg only ended 2:1 for the men from Manchester and the Blades’ last visit ended with a three-pointer at the Theater of Dreams
Manchester United – Sheffield tip
On paper, everything should be clear. But if there’s one outfit in the top tier of English soccer who often fail to appreciate paper, it’s ManUtd. Their fickleness is now the stuff of legends and so, in the end, more caution is probably needed than at first glance.
With the battle for Europe in mind, tip 1 should end up in the books for Manchester United v Sheffield United. It probably won’t be a dismantling, but if no points follow here, the tree at Old Trafford, which is constantly smouldering anyway, will burn once again
