Sheffield United - Aston Villa predictions and free betting tips [03/02/2024]

Today as part of the 23rd round of the Premier League, Sheffield United will host Aston Villa. While 'the Blades' suffered a 3:2 defeat from Crystal Palace last Tuesday, the Birmingham team lost at home to Newcastle on the same evening - 1:3.

Predicted Line-ups

Sheffield United: Foderingham; Bogle, Ahmedhodzic, Robinson, Trasti; McGoldrick, Fleck, Norwood; Burke, Brewster.

Aston Villa: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; Luiz, McGinn; El Ghazi, Buendia, Coutinho; Watkins.

Sheffield United

Sheffield United is struggling following their return to the top division, sitting at the bottom of the Premier League table with only 10 points from 22 rounds. The 'blades' will have to fight for survival until May, as they are now nine points behind 17th placed Luton. Further, the current form of the red-and-black side gives no cause for optimism for the fans: Chris Wilder's team has not won any of their last 6 league games (2 draws and 4 losses). Just last week, Sheffield lost to Crystal Palace away (3:2), and even earlier, the team lost to Brighton at home in the round of 32 of the FA Cup (2:5). Ben Brereton Diaz opened the scoring just 20 seconds into the match at Selhurst Park, but 'the Eagles' responded with a brace by Eberechi Eze and a decisive goal by Michael Olise in the 67th minute.

It is appropriate to say that with such results Sheffield is second from bottom in terms of home points earned (8 in 11 home matches). Moreover, the blades have conceded a fearsome 54 goals in 22 rounds (the most of any team) and scored just 19 times. The hosts are still forced to cope with the absence of captain Egan, defenders Basham and Baldock, and striker Jebbison - all injured. They have been joined in the treatment room by first-choice goalkeeper Grbic. Winger Brereton Diaz, on loan from Villarreal this winter, has scored in his first two Premier League matches and is certain to start on Saturday; partnering him will be forward McBurnie (4 goals and 2 assists). Among the transfer losses, the departure of striker Beni Traore (Nantes) and defender Luke Thomas (Leicester) on loan should be noted.

Aston Villa

Currently in fifth place in the Premier League table and with as many points as fourth-placed Tottenham, Aston Villa is battling for a Champions League spot this campaign. The Birmingham side has transformed since the appointment of Unai Emery as head coach, yet have managed just one win in the last five rounds, drawing twice and losing twice. This week, despite the support of their fans, 'the Lions' lost to struggling Newcastle (1:3), and even earlier, they drew with Chelsea (0:0) in the third round of the FA Cup, triggering a replay. After Fabian Schar's first-half brace, there was an own goal by Alex Moreno seven minutes after the break, and the yellow-blues only managed to respond with a goal by Ollie Watkins.

Villa's away results have left much to be desired: the team has won four times, lost as many and drawn three times in 11 league matches on the road, managing to keep just two 'clean sheets' and conceding 19 goals. Not available for selection this weekend due to injury are Mings and Buendia, as well as striker Duran. In addition, defenders Digne and Pau Torres have not yet fully recovered from injuries. Winger Bertrand Traore, who was knocked out in the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations with Burkina Faso, has returned to his club. Ollie Watkins (10 goals and 8 assists) remains Villa's main attacking threat, assisted by Diabi (4 goals and 4 assists) and Bailey (6 goals and 6 assists). Promising right-back Nedeljkovic (18 years old) was signed this winter, but will finish the season on loan at Red Star Belgrade.

Head to Head

On 22 December, Sheffield pulled off a surprising draw at Villa Park - 1:1, with Nicolo Zaniolo equalising the score only in the 97th minute of the match.

Sheffield United- Aston Villa match prediction

For Sheffield, every remaining game is tantamount to a survival battle, so the backing of the home crowd at Bramall Lane will be invaluable to 'the Blades'. Unai Emery's side have slowed down in their performance during winter, and since the 'Lions' odds of making the top four remain decent, anything less than a win would leave the visitors unsatisfied. I believe class will prevail and Villa will take all three points on Saturday.