Newcastle United - Sheffield United predictions and free betting tips [27/04/2024]

On Thursday, 25 April, in the 35th round of the EPL, "Newcastle" will host "Sheffield United" at their home ground. Both teams are preparing for the match after midweek losses: the "Magpies" unexpectedly lost to "Crystal Palace" in London by a score of 2:0, while "Manchester United" dealt with the "Blades" (4:2).

Newcastle United

"Newcastle" is in 7th place in the Premier League table, trailing the top six by 3 points, synonymous with qualifying for European football. From the very start of the season, the "Magpies" have shown inconsistency in results and look a lot worse in play than a year ago. This week, the black-and-whites disappointed their fans, losing to "Crystal Palace" by a score of 2:0, while Jean-Philippe Mateta scored a brace in the second half. This result ended a positive series of 4 rounds without defeat (3 wins and 1 draw) and followed an emphatic 4:0 victory over "Tottenham". Eddie Howe's squad will be happy to return to St. James's Park, where they've won three times and drawn once in the last four championship matches, scoring 12 goals.

It's worth noting that "Newcastle" has been lucky with the schedule at the end of the campaign: in the upcoming rounds, the "Magpies" will face two league outsiders – "Sheffield United" and "Burnley". The "Newcastle" squad for this match is still weakened by personnel losses: injured goalkeeper Pope, central defender Botman, midfielders Joelinton and Almiron (3 goals), promising 17-year-old midfielder Maili and lateral Lascelles. Captain Trippier, midfielder Willock and defender Targett are also recovering in the infirmary, while Sandro Tonali continues to serve a long-term suspension. On the other hand, forward Wilson (7 goals) returned to action in the last round; he is expected to compete for a place at the forefront of the attack with Gordon (10 goals and 8 assists) and Isak (17 goals). In the midfield, Bruno Guimaraes dictates the team's play, while Krafth and Schar form the centre-back pair.

Sheffield United

"Sheffield United" holds the last place in the Premier League table, amassing just 16 points in 34 rounds, and such a result may lead to the "Blades'" official relegation this weekend. The red-and-blacks are in a deep crisis and haven't won any of their last 10 championship matches (3 draws and 7 defeats). Following a triumph over "Chelsea" (2:2), Chris Wilder's side lost to "Brentford" (2:0), "Burnley" (1:4), and "Manchester United" this week (4:2). The underdog twice took the lead thanks to goals from Jayden Bogle and Ben Brereton Diaz, but Harry Maguire equalised, and Bruno Fernandes scored two goals and assisted Rasmus Højlund towards the end. This season, "Sheffield" has conceded 92 goals in 34 rounds, surpassing the previous record of "Derby County" (89 goals) in the 2007/08 campaign.

Few would be surprised that the "Blades" are the absolute worst Premier League team for away performances: 6 points in 17 away games, 15 goals scored, and 41 conceded. The guests' squad continues to miss defenders Baldock, Basham and Egan, as well as regularly substitute Norrington-Davis, Lowe, Davis and Jebbison – they are all injured. In addition, the participation of defender Robinson and forward Brewster in the match remains in question. Brereton Diaz (5 goals and 1 assist in 10 matches) joined the club this winter and quickly became the team's main attacking force. Twenty-year-old midfielder Oliver Arblaster has a good chance of making the starting lineup, while Wes Foderingham hopes to retain his place in goal.

Head-to-Head

The "Blades" have celebrated an away Premier League victory over "Newcastle" only once – by a score of 1:0 in November 2006. The first round match ended with an emphatic 0:8 victory for the black-and-whites.

Match prediction Newcastle – Sheffield United

Given the looming relegation, the "Blades" are just playing out the season without any tournament motivation, while the "Magpies" are trying to get back into the European area and simply can't afford a slip in this round – trailing the sixth-ranked "Manchester United" by three points. The hosts are superior in class and should easily prevail on Saturday (-1.5 handicap).