Premier League: Can Blades Halt Spurs Resurgence?

Tottenham Hotspur vs Sheffield United

I recently came across a video of a match between these two sides.

It was March 1994 and both were struggling in the Premier League.

Then Spurs owner, Alan Sugar, had taken the unpopular decision to remove Terry Venables and replace him with a fans’ favourite, but very inexperienced manager in Ossie Ardiles.

Sheffield United, meanwhile, were continuing to punch above their weight under the wily Dave Bassett.

As it turned out, Sheffield United would be relegated in the last seconds of the final day of the season and would not return to the top flight for another 12 years, while Spurs would continue to tread water (although their outlook improved once they replaced the likeable Ardiles with Gerry Francis).

Times have changed now with bigger clubs like Spurs enjoying even more financial muscle, but the reality remains that, for the likes of the Blades – who have just begun only their fourth top-flight campaign since 1994 – the odds are stacked against them.

Talking Points

After narrow defeats to Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest and Manchester City – the latter two very late on – the Yorkshire club secured their first points of the season last time out in an entertaining 2-2 draw with Everton.

So, can they now get some more points on the board?

One thing is for sure that, based on the first four matches, they’re not going to be relegated due to a lack of spirit.

Spirit seems in abundance in the Spurs camp at the moment too.

Despite their promising start, I am not convinced they have the squad depth to mount a top for challenge this term, especially after the loss of goal king Harry Kane.

However, if they can avoid injuries and suspensions, and maintain consistency, then perhaps they should not be ruled out of the picture.

After all, fixture congestion should not be a problem with no European competition to contend with and the side already out of the League Cup.

Newly promoted Sheffield United have never had any winning Premier League highlights to shout about on Spurs’ own turf – now would be a good time to start.

History

Historically, this has been a much closer contest than you expect.

Spurs have tasted victory on 38 occasions with Sheffield United enjoying 30 triumphs.

In addition, there have been 27 draws.

The very first two meetings were the biggest of them all.

In the 1901 FA Cup Final, played at Crystal Palace, the sides drew 2-2. The replay, seven days later, went the way of Spurs as John Cameron, Tom Smith and Sandy Brown scored the goals at Burnden Park in Bolton in a 3-1 success, which brought home the cup for the very first time to the North London.

Incidentally, all bar two of Spurs’ eight FA Cup triumphs have come in a year ending in one.

Their most recent meeting also came in the FA Cup in March.

Then Championship side Sheffield United won the fifth round tie 1-0 at Bramall Lane, thanks to a goal from Iliman Ndiaye, which ultimately pushed manager Antonio Conte closer to the exit door.

Both the league meetings two seasons ago went the way of Spurs. They won 3-1 at Bramall Lane with Serge Aurier, Kane and Tanguy Ndombèlé on target for Jose Mourinho’s side.

In the return match, Gareth Bale rolled back the years with a hat-trick and Son Heung-min netted the other in a 4-0 win.

You have to go back to the final season of the former Division One in 1991 to the last time Sheffield United won on Spurs territory.

The match in November 91 was settled by a solitary Kevin Gage goal nine minutes after the restart.

Betting Tip

The SBOTOP Premier League betting odds are predicting a home win with Spurs priced 1X2 @ 1.27 and the Blades well adrift at 1X2 @ 7.80.

The draw is not expected either given it’s on offer @ 5.40.

Asian Handicap odds also expect home comforts with odds of Spurs -1.75 @ 2.08 which contrast with Sheffield United +1.50 @ 2.07.

Just imagine if Sheffield United repeat their FA Cup triumph of six months ago and win at Spurs for the first time in the Premier League era.

Correct Score 0-1 will earn you a tidy payday of @ 29.00.

I’ve also taken a look at various goal options which include total goal 0-1 @ 5.00, 2-3 @ 2.13, 4-6 @ 2.56 and over 3.25 @ 2.12.

Ultimately, I expect Spurs to win but Sheffield United may well be strengthened by their deadline day arrival of James McAtee on loan from Manchester City.

 

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