Two huge success stories from this year’s Premier League go head-to-head on Thursday evening, with Leicester City taking on Sheffield United at the King Power Stadium.
The Foxes are locked in a 3-way battle for the two remaining champions league places, with the crucial announcement from the court of arbitration for sport in the week that Manchester City’s champions league ban has been overturned meaning only 4th place will be enough.
Chelsea took the initiative with a victory over Norwich in the week, taking them 4 points clear of both Leicester and Manchester United having played an extra game.
Only goal difference keeps Leicester clear of the reds at the moment, and with a tough run consisting of matches against Sheffield, Tottenham and Manchester United themselves, it really is a case of every point matters.
Sheffield United are also hoping to play European football next season. Provided Arsenal do not win the FA 7th place should be enough for a spot in the Europa League, which the Blades sit one place and one point behind. This would be a massive achievement for Chris Wilder’s men, so they still have plenty to play for. .
Previous Results:
24/08/2019 Sheffield United 1-2 Leicester City
With Sheffield United newly promoted, there is not much league history in the premier league with these two, but Leicester got the better of the blades in the reverse fixture, with Harvey Barnes grabbing the winner.
Team News:
Ceglar Soyuncu is unavailable for Leicester having received a straight red card in the remarkable 4-1 defeat at Bournemouth last time out. Influential English pair James Maddison and Ben Chilwell are also fitness doubts with hip and foot issues respectively.
For the Blades, John Fleck could return having struggled with a groin injury, whilst John Lundstrom is pushing for inclusion. However, United are coming into this game on the back of an impressive 3-0 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, so will be reluctant to make changes.
Match Prediction:
This is a massive game for both sides and a very difficult one to call, Leicester have the position and home “advantage”, whilst Sheffield have the form and confidence. My prediction is these will balance out and as neither side has gone goalless in July, hopefully, they will both produce goals for this one.
Match Preview written by Will Edwards