Paul Heckingbottom faces a huge task to overturn Sheffield United’s winless run since their return to the topflight when they take on Manchester City in Premier League Matchday three clash.
The Blades opened their campaign in the elite division with a home loss against Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace at Bramall Lane.
Edouard’s 49th-minute strike was enough to seal a win for Crystal Palace.
Paul Heckingbottom took his boys to City Ground in their second Premier League clash and lost to Nottingham Forest before losing again after Wood’s late-strike canceled out Hamer’s 48th-minute equaliser.
The Blades will be hoping to return to winning ways against City in front of their home fans at Bramall Lane.
Manchester City have maintained a perfect start to the season, winning their two opening fixtures.
The Premier League champions kicked off proceedings with a win against Vincent Kompany’s Burnley, thanks to a brace from Erling Haaland and Rodri’s 75th-minute strike which sealed a comfortable 3-0 away win at Turf Moor.
The treble winners also saw off Newcastle United in a hard-fought 1-0 win at Etihad. Julian Alvarez’s 31st-minute goal was enough to hand the star-studded side all three points.
Since a 4-2 defeat at Bramall Lane in 1992, Manchester City have never lost a Premier League match against Sheffield United. They have won seven, drawing three. The European giants will hope to continue in their perfect start to the season as they travel to Bramall Lane to take on the Blades.
Team News
Sheffield United have a piling list of injured players set to miss the clash. Leading the list is Ben Slimane, who is struggling with a thigh problem and George Baldock, who is suffering from a calf issue. Vinicius Souza, Traore, and Lowe were injured in the game against Nottingham Forest but there are positive prompts Souza could return to the lineup.
Heckingbottom still have fresh legs to count on with Norwood, Hamer, and Osula expected in the starting lineup.
Pep Guardiola is headlining Manchester City’s absentee’s list as the Premier League champions head into the match. We reported earlier Guardiola will miss two Manchester City matches after undergoing an emergency operation in Barcelona due to a back injury.
Manchester City assistant manager, Juanma Lillo, will step into the dugout for the Spaniard.
Kevin De Bruyne will also miss the match due to his harmstring issue that will sideline him for four months. John Stones is nursing a thigh problem and will not be available for the clash.
Bernardo Silva, who has penned down a new contract with the club, has reportedly recovered from his illness but may likely start from the bench.
Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland made a deadly attacking pairing against Newcastle United and will be expected to start against the Blades. Phil Foden also impressed stepping into the shoes of Kevin De Bruyne and could also return to the lineup.
New signing from Rennes Jeremy Doku could also make his debut. Ederson will start on goal with Kyle Walker, Manuel Akanji, Ruben Dias, and Josko Gvardiol expected at the defence.
Sheffield probable IX:
Foderingham; Robinson, Egan, Ahmedhodzic; Baldock, Norwood, Souza, Larouci; Hamer, Traore; Osula
Manchester City probable IX:
Ederson; Walker, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Rodri, Kovacic; Silva, Alvarez, Foden; Haaland
Prediction
Manchester City are expected to continue in their winning ways against Sheffield United with their star-studded side. It will be a convincing 3-0 win for the Cityzens.
