Mid-table entertainers, Leeds United, will host relegation-bound, Sheffield United, on Saturday afternoon in matchweek 30 of the English Premier League.
A win for the Peacocks will make their fight for a spot in the top half of the table look more achievable. Meanwhile, a win for the Blades might offer them the slightest glimmer of staying in the league for the 2021/22 season.
Marcelo Bielsa will fancy his side’s chances against Sheffield United, who have put up one of the worst displays in the Premier League’s history.
WHEN & WHERE?
When: Saturday, April 3
Where: Elland Road
Time: 15:00 BST
RECENT FORM
Leeds United’s Premier League form: (W-D-L-L-W)
They have been unpredictable throughout this season, and there hasn’t been the slightest indication that this will change in the near future. Despite just conceding 4 goals in the last 5 league games, you can never be fully assured that they will maintain the same defensive stability in the coming games.
Sheffield United’s Premier League form: (L-L-W-L-L)
They are all but mathematically relegated this season. Their fortunes haven’t changed Chris Wilder departed as manager of the club. Caretaker manager, Paul Heckingbottom, has a humongous task ahead of him.
In his two games in charge so far, his side has lost 5-0 to Leicester City at the King Power Stadium and 2-0 at Stamford Bridge. He’ll be hoping for a more productive afternoon on his next away trip on Saturday.
TEAM NEWS
Leeds United
Pablo Hernandez has recovered from his muscular injury and is available for selection come Saturday. The same goes for the skipper, Liam Cooper, who has gotten over his illness and was present in training recently.
Rodrigo’s muscular injuries looked to have returned prior to the most recent game against Fulham, however, it is a minor one, and he should available for the game against Sheffield United.
Uncertainty over Mateusz Klich’s availability remains though, as the Polish International initially tested positive for COVID-19 but returned a negative test followed by another positive one during the international break.
Sheffield United
Despite the international break, Sheffield United does not expect to have any of their players in the injured contingent back for tomorrow’s game.
Captain, Billy Sharp, who started the Blades’ most recent Premier League game is injured and not expected to be back for the next few weeks. The central midfielder, Sander Berge, faces a similar predicament.
Further, two centre-backs, Chris Basham and John Egan, will not be available for the trip to Elland Road.
PREDICTED XI
Leeds United Predicted XI vs Sheffield United ( Formation: 4-5-1): Illan Meslier, Luke Ayling, Diego Llorente, Liam Cooper, Ezgjan Alioski, Kalvin Phillips, Raphina, Stuart Dallas, Pablo Hernandez, Jack Harisson, Patrick Bamford.
Sheffield United Predicted XI vs Leeds United (Formation: 3-5-2): Aaron Ramsdale, Ethan Ampadu, Phil Jagielka, Kean Bryan, George Baldock, John Lundstram, Oliver Norwood, John Fleck, Enda Stevens, David McGoldrick, Oli McBurnie.
SCORE PREDICTION
Leeds United vs Sheffield United: 3-1
