MX23RW : Friday, December 13 08:00:09| >> :120:3636:3636:
[monks data]
Attendance: 30,505
Brighton logo
Premier League | Gameweek 18
Dec 21, 2019 at 3pm UK
 
Sheffield United logo

0-1

FT(HT: 0-1)
McBurnie (23')

Preview: Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Sheffield United - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole provides team news, predicted lineups and a full preview of Saturday's Premier League game between Brighton & Hove Albion and Sheffield United.

Sheffield United make the trip to the Amex Stadium to face Brighton & Hove Albion with the opportunity to strengthen their hold of a place in the top half of the Premier League standings.

Meanwhile, Brighton welcome the Blades knowing that only three points will do if they wish to join their opponents in the top 10.


Match preview

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder on December 8, 2019© Reuters

Despite only winning four of their last 11 fixtures in the Premier League, Sheffield United have done enough to remain in contention at the right end of the table.

There was a time at Norwich City on December 8 when it appeared that the Blades were en route to their fifth successive game without a win, but a two-goal burst at the beginning of the second half proved decisive in gaining all three points against the Canaries.

Chris Wilder's men continued that kind of form against Aston Villa last weekend as two John Fleck goals earned the Yorkshire outfit their fourth win in front of their own supporters this season.

The fact that United's away record is one of the best division has largely gone unnoticed, however, with no defeats being suffered in eight games on the road since their return to English football's top tier.

While six draws have been registered during that period, frequently picking up points away from Bramall Lane could prove pivotal come the end of the season, and Wilder will expect a continuation of their streak against Brighton.

Although only suffering defeats to Southampton and Leicester City, Brighton have only recorded 12 points from their eight games at the Amex Stadium.

A solid away return means that the Seagulls sit five points clear of the relegation zone, but Graham Potter will be eager for his team to improve their results on the south coast.

On a positive note, Brighton are unbeaten in their last three outings in the league, earning five points in games against Arsenal, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crystal Palace respectively.

Summer arrival Neal Maupay has netted in each of those games, taking his tally for the season to seven goals from 17 outings.

However, it has been six games since Brighton last kept a clean sheet, and Potter will be keen to bring an end to that streak sooner rather than later.

Brighton & Hove Albion Premier League form: LLLWDD

Sheffield United Premier League form: DDDLWW


Team News

John Fleck pictured for Sheffield United in September 2019© Reuters

With Fleck serving a one-match ban, Wilder will be forced to make at least one alteration to his starting lineup.

Luke Freeman is in line to be included for the Blades, although his introduction could be the solitary change to the team which began against Villa.

Potter is also likely to keep changes to a minimum, but Dale Stephens should come back into the first XI after being suspended for the draw with Palace.

Yves Bissouma is expected to drop down to the substitutes' bench, where he could be joined by Aaron Connolly who is looking to shake off a thigh injury.

Brighton & Hove Albion possible starting lineup:
Ryan; Montoya, Webster, Dunk, Burn; Stephens, Propper; Mooy, Gross, Trossard; Maupay

Sheffield United possible starting lineup:
Henderson; Basham, Egan, O'Connell; Baldock, Lundstram, Norwood, Freeman, Stevens; McGoldrick, Mousset


Sports Mole Logo

We say: Brighton & Hove Albion 1-2 Sheffield United

Both teams have shown progression in their performances this season, which should lead to an entertaining tussle on the south coast. However, we feel that the visitors are playing with the greater confidence right now and it could lead to a narrow win for Wilder's men.



ID:383364: cacheID:383364:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:7032:
Written by
Darren Plant
No Data Analysis info

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!


Restore Data
Share this article now:
Kevin De Bruyne celebrates scoring for Man City on December 15, 2019
Read Next:
PL Team of the Week - De Bruyne, Salah, Vertonghen
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
1.15am
Rams
@
49ers
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd20135228111742
2Leeds UnitedLeeds20125336142241
3Burnley2010822471738
4Sunderland20107329151437
5Blackburn RoversBlackburn1910452317634
6West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom2071122314932
7Middlesbrough209473425931
8Watford199462725231
9Swansea CitySwansea207672119227
10Norwich CityNorwich206863530526
11Bristol City206862525026
12Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds207582329-626
13Millwall196762017325
14Preston North EndPreston2041062026-622
15Luton TownLuton2064102335-1222
16Coventry CityCoventry205692529-421
17Derby CountyDerby205692226-421
18Stoke CityStoke205692126-521
19Queens Park RangersQPR204972026-621
20Oxford UnitedOxford Utd194692030-1018
21Portsmouth183872130-917
22Cardiff CityCardiff1945101730-1317
23Plymouth ArgylePlymouth1945101940-2117
24Hull City2037101828-1016


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!