Preview: Sheffield United vs. Tottenham Hotspur - prediction, team news, lineups

Tottenham Hotspur make the trip to Sheffield United sitting six points adrift of leaders Manchester United in the Premier League standings.

While the home side are nine points behind 17th-placed Brighton & Hove Albion, the midweek triumph over Newcastle United has given hope to Chris Wilder's team as they bid to avoid relegation.

Match preview

Having put together a six-match unbeaten run in all competitions, there are reasons why Jose Mourinho should feel positive about the development of his Spurs side.

However, conceding late equalisers against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Fulham is the difference between sixth and second, and it has left the Portuguese demanding more of a ruthless streak from his players.

Some will argue that Mourinho also has a responsibility to deploy more attack-minded tactics, a debate which will inevitably be played down by the Spurs boss given his success in the past.

Nevertheless, the North London outfit are at a stage in their campaign where they need to turn draws into victories, especially this weekend with four of the top seven playing each other.

There is an opportunity to make up the ground lost in failing to see off Fulham on Wednesday evening, but Son Heung-min and Harry Kane are in need of more assistance from their teammates in the final third.

As far as Sheffield United are concerned, they will head into this fixture with some pressure having been lifted off their shoulders for the first time in months.

While the victories over Bristol Rovers and Newcastle were far from pretty, Wilder will be ecstatic that an 18-match winless streak has been brought to an end.

The fact that their 1-0 success against an unimaginative Newcastle side came courtesy of a penalty will not be lost on Wilder, but it has at least set the ball rolling with regards to making up ground on the teams above them.

A mix of title-chasing clubs and relegation rivals are to come over the next five weeks, although the Blades are aware that they have to set out to defeat each of their remaining 20 opponents if they wish to stay in the top flight.

Sheffield United Premier League form: LDLLLW Sheffield United form (all competitions): DLLLWW

Tottenham Hotspur Premier League form: DLLDWD Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions): WDWWWD

Team News

Mourinho will almost certainly make changes to his Spurs XI with Toby Alderweireld and Lucas Moura in line for recalls.

Despite remaining as unused substitutes against Fulham, Dele Alli and Gareth Bale are expected to stay among the replacements.

Barring any late fitness issues, Wilder could opt against making any alterations to his Sheffield United XI.

Oliver Burke is likely to keep his spot in the side ahead of Tuesday's matchwinner Billy Sharp.

Jack O'Connell and Sander Berge remain long-term absentees from the squad.

Sheffield United possible starting lineup: Ramsdale; Basham, Egan, Ampadu; Bogle, Lundstram, Norwood, Fleck, Osborn; McGoldrick, Burke

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup: Lloris; Aurier, Alderweireld, Dier, Davies; Sissoko, Hojbjerg; Moura, Ndombele, Son; Kane

We say: Sheffield United 1-3 Tottenham Hotspur

Mourinho cut a frustrated figure on Wednesday night, and we expect that to lead to a response from his players. Despite the Blades being on a high after edging out Newcastle, they may struggle to cope with Spurs' extra quality in the final third.

Top betting tip

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