Sheffield United vs Leeds United
Leeds United are only two games into their first season back in the Premier League and they are already winning over new fans with their exciting style of play, which has led to a couple of seven-goal thrillers.
Marcelo Bielsa’s men will look to continue their promising start when they head to Bramall Lane to take on Sheffield United in the Premier League’s first Yorkshire derby in 19 years.
The Blades have had a difficult start to the season after back-to-back defeats. But the Premier League 2020 betting odds are nevertheless quite even as they look to slow down the free-scoring Whites.
Talking Points
Sheffield United off to a slow start
Sheffield United were one of the big surprises of last year’s Premier League season. The unfancied Blades were battling for a European place for much of the season, but despite falling off late, they still finished a respectable ninth.
However, they’ve gotten off to a rough start this time around after defeats to Wolves at home and Aston Villa away. John Egan was sent off after just 12 minutes against Villa and will now be suspended for the visit of Leeds.
The Blades had a lot of difficulty getting goals last season; they finished with just 39 goals in 38 games. And through two games this season, they are the only team left in the league that’s yet to score.
Manager Chris Wilder has already played four different strikers in his front two through two games as he looks to find more firepower in attack.
Sheffield United will most likely still look to play a more conservative style at home. But at the very least, the Blades should create a few more opportunities against a Leeds defence which has let in a good share of goals to start the season.
Leeds impress but can still improve
Leeds United have been absolute box office thus far on their return to the Premier League. The Whites have already provided a wealth of Premier League 2020 highlights in their back-to-back 4-3 matches.
After their dramatic loss to champions Liverpool at Anfield, they picked up their first win of the season last week at Elland Road as they defeated fellow newly promoted side Fulham. Helder Costa bagged a brace, while the in-form Patrick Bamford scored his second goal in two games.
Leeds have been surprisingly prolific in front of goal despite not creating all that many chances, which was not the case in the Championship last season. It remains to be seen how long they can sustain their hot finishing.
On the other end, manager Marcelo Bielsa admits he is “worried” about his side’s defence already letting in seven goals through two games after being so solid at the back during their run to the Championship title last season.
Even with the return of captain Liam Cooper in the heart of their defence, they still struggled to contain a Fulham attack that’s one of the least impressive in the entire league.
Bielsa will surely expect Leeds to keep things much tighter at the back against the Blades, who continue to have issues scoring goals.
Meanwhile, Leeds will likely have key playmaker Pablo Hernandez back in the line-up. The 35-year-old midfielder missed the Fulham match due to a groin injury he suffered in warm-ups.
History
It has been 26 years since Leeds and Sheffield United last met in the English top flight. The two sides played out a 2-2 draw at Bramall Lane back in 1994.
Since then, the two have faced off several times in the Championship as well as in cup competitions. Sheffield United have a decided edge with eight wins to Leeds two, with two draws during that time.
Although, Leeds won their last visit to Bramall Lane 1-0 back in 2018 thanks to a late Pablo Hernandez winner.
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