Sheffield United vs Tottenham Hotspur – Preview

Already relegated Sheffield United will look to end a poor season on a positive note against Spurs on Sunday afternoon at Bramall Lane. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur head into their final game of the Premier League season needing just one point to secure fifth place.

Sheffield United’s form all season has been disappointing. Their last outing saw them go down 1-0 to Everton at Goodison Park, with Abdoulaye Doucoure’s header sealing their fate. This defeat was particularly painful as it marked the Blades’ 101st goal conceded this season, setting an unenviable Premier League record. Chris Wilder’s side have endured a dreadful campaign, plagued by defensive frailties and an inability to maintain consistency.

Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou was visibly frustrated after his side’s recent 2-0 defeat to Manchester City. The loss was not only another entry in a turbulent season, it was also fraught with controversy off the field.

In the build-up to the game, some Tottenham fans openly debated whether it would be better for their team to lose, as a win over City would have put arch-rivals Arsenal on the verge of winning the Premier League title. This sentiment was expressed so openly that it reached the players and the manager, creating an uncomfortable atmosphere. Postecoglou’s visible irritation reflected his disapproval of not trying to win every game.

The Blades will have Mason Holgate back after he was ineligible to play against his parent club last week. Anel Ahmedhodzic will return after serving a match. United will be without Chris Basham, Oli McBurnie, Rhys Norrington-Davies, George Baldock and John Egan for the clash. Tom Davies is also likely out.

Ben Osborn, Andre Brooks and Oli Arblaster could play a role pending late fitness tests, according to Premier Injuries.

Meanwhile, Tottenham will be without Giovani Lo Celso, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison, Ben Davies, Manor Solomon, Timo Werner, Ryan Sessegnon, Fraser Forster and Destiny Udogie.

With an injury-depleted Spurs side and them being at home, Sheffield United will be up for it, looking to send their fans home on a high note. And one player who I think will be the catalyst for the Blades is Gustavo Hamer.

Since Arblaster’s inclusion in midfield, it’s allowed the Dutchman more space to operate and as a result he’s had five goal contributions in the last two months – and I think he can add to his tally of ten field goal contributions. the final day of his debut Premier League campaign.

Tottenham’s danger man will be their captain, Heung-min Son. Spurs have been without a natural number nine this season following the departure of Harry Kane to Bayern Munich in the summer. However, Son stepped up and scored 17 goals to add to his nine assists. Against the worst defense in the Premier League in recent seasons, Son will surely be hoping to end the season in style.

Sheffield United face a challenging history against Tottenham Hotspur, having lost their last three league meetings with the Lilywhites, equaling their run of defeats in their last 13 meetings (W5 D5).

Despite this, the Blades have a strong record in their last league games, winning each of the last three seasons. The most recent run of four consecutive final-day wins from 1969/70 to 1973/74 included a win against Tottenham.

In contrast, Tottenham have been resilient in the finals of the season, losing just once in the past 13 seasons, a shock 5-1 defeat to already-relegated Newcastle in the 2015/16 campaign.