Preview: Everton vs. Sheffield United – prediction, team news, lineups

Two teams from the bottom half of the Premier League table meet at Goodison Park on Saturday afternoon Everton host the basement club Sheffield United.

Not long ago this fixture was tipped to be a potentially pivotal contest in the battle to avoid relegation, but both clubs’ fates have now been confirmed, with the Blades heading back to the Championship and the Toffees safe in the top flight for one more season. .

Match preview

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Amid uncertainty off the pitch over the club’s ownership status, Everton have had little to be frustrated on the pitch in recent weeks as they have picked up 14 points from their last seven Premier League games; only title hopefuls Manchester City and Arsenal (both 15) have collected more points in this period.

The Toffees’ three-game winning streak came to an end in a week last Friday as they were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw at Luton Town, with Dominic Calvert-LewinHis opener from the penalty spot was canceled out by Elijah Adebayo.

With 37 points on the board, Sean DycheHis men have taken one point more than they managed last season (36) with two games to play and are on course to finish 15th as they sit six points clear of 14th-placed Crystal Palace.

Everton will welcome a return to Goodison Park, where they have won each of their last four home games without a reply, including a memorable Merseyside derby triumph over Liverpool, and have lost just twice in 10 games since the start of the year.

The Toffees have lost their last home game in just one of their last eight campaigns, but their home record against Saturday’s opponents Sheffield United leaves a little to be desired as they have lost five of their last seven meetings with the Blades in front of them. own fans.

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A week after relegation was confirmed following a heavy 5-1 defeat at Newcastle United, Sheffield United were beaten 3-1 at home to Nottingham Forest in their most recent outing – their 26th defeat of the season in the Premier League.

The Blades were in front thanks to an early penalty from Ben Brereton Diazbut Chris Wilder was once again made to rue a number of missed chances by his side as a clinical Forest outfit cruised to victory with Callum Hudson-Odoi scoring either side of a shot from Ryan Yates.

Sheffield United have now conceded a total of 100 Premier League goals, the most in a single season in the division’s history, alongside Swindon Town, who shipped a century of goals during a 42-game campaign in 1993- 94.

Huddersfield Town (16) in 2018-19 were the last team to end a top-flight season with fewer than 20 points, but Sheffield United will follow suit if they fail to pick up at least four points from their two remaining games against Everton and Tottenham. Hotspur.

Sheffield United have lost their last away game in each of the last four Premier League campaigns, but their last success came at Everton in 1992-93 when they won 2-0 at Goodison Park. They also won their most recent visit to the blue side of Merseyside in May 2021 by a scoreline of 1-0, so there is reason for Wilder and co to be optimistic about success on Saturday.

Everton Premier League form:

Sheffield United Premier League form:

Team news

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Everton still have to cope without Vitalii Mykolenko (ankle), Nathan Patterson (hamstrings) and Dele Alli (groin) as they all continue to recover from an injury.

Ashley Young is expected to continue at left back in Mykolenko’s absence, while Seamus Coleman will fight with Ben Godfrey for starters at right back as Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski continues in the center of the defense.

Amadou Onana will be hoping to force his way back into the starting XI after starting as a substitute in each of Everton’s last four league games, while both Either at and Arnaut Danjuma will push for a start on offense.

As for Sheffield United, they will be without up to 10 players inclusive Max Lowe, John Egan, Chris Basham (all ankle), George Baldock (veal), Oli McBurnie, Rhys Norrington-Davies, Tom Davies (whole thigh) and Daniel Jebbison (disease) who all remain in the treatment room.

on loan from Everton Mason Holgate is not eligible to face his parent club, while Anel Ahmedhodzic is suspended after being sent off last weekend, so Wilder could select a back four from Jayden Bogle, Jack Robinson, Auston Trusty and Ben Osborne.

Oliver Arblaster is set to continue in midfield along with Gustavo Hamer nor Vinicius Souza or Andre Brookswhile Brereton Diaz and Cameron Archer could be supported in attack by one of James McAtee, William Osula or the former Liverpool man Rhian Brewster.

Everton possible starting lineup:
Pickford; Coleman, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Young; Harrison, Garner, Gueye, McNeil; Doucoure; Calvert-Lewin

Sheffield United possible starting lineup:
Foderingham; Bogle, Robinson, Trusty, Osborn; Arblaster, Souza, Hamer; McAtee, Archer, Brereton Diaz

We say: Everton 2-0 Sheffield United

A 2-2 draw was played between these two sides in the reverse fixture at Bramall Lane in September and while another tight affair could be in store this weekend, Everton will be considered favorites to come out on top given their strong run. of form, especially on the ground of the house.

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