Sheffield United will be aiming to register their first Premier League win of the season on Sunday when they host Newcastle United at Bramall Lane.
The Blades have managed to get just one point from their opening five games, losing four to lie just a place above the relegation zone. They come into this fixture off the back of a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Tottenham in north London.
On the contrary, the Magpies ended their three-game losing run with a narrow 1-0 win over Brentford last weekend. Eddie Howe’s men followed it up with a vital point away at AC Milan in their opening Champions League group-stage encounter on Tuesday evening.
Below, we will take a look at the three key battles that could determine the outcome of the exciting clash between Sheffield United and Newcastle United in South Yorkshire.
#Alexander Isak vs Anel Ahmedhodzic
There is no doubting who the big threat for Newcastle is in the attacking department, as Alexander Isak has netted twice in the Premier League this season and enjoyed a good outing in the goalless draw with AC Milan in the Champions League. So, the Swede could get the nod ahead of Callum Wilson to lead the Newcastle attack, and he will look to take on Anel Ahmedhodzic.
Anthony Gordon and Miguel Almiron provide the creativity from wide areas for Isak, so Ahmedhodzic – who will match up physically with him – will have to do a better job than he did against Tottenham where their forwards gave him a very tough examination.
#Cameron Archer vs Sven Botman
From one end of the pitch to another, Cameron Archer will have to bear extra responsibility in attack on Sunday after Ollie McBurnie’s sending-off against Tottenham. He is a quick and intelligent striker with a powerful shot on his right foot, and the young Englishman will have his work cut out for him against Sven Botman.
Botman will come to Bramall Lane with a very simple mission—stop Archer and the Blades’ other goal threats. Archer will look to build on his wonder strike against Everton, but Botman has the physical qualities as well as pace to match the Blades striker.
#Bruno Guimaraes vs Gustavo Hamer
A strong battle in midfield is expected when Bruno Guimaraes and Gustavo Hamer go head to head on Sunday. Other than looking to dictate the tempo of play, Bruno will also likely have to help stem the creativity and keep tabs on the forward runs Hamer makes which can hurt Newcastle.
Hamer has been United’s standout player so far, bagging two goals in four games, including giving his team the shock lead in the 2-1 defeat to Spurs in the last game. As a No.8, he can expertly thread passes while cutting out threatening passes of the opposition.
On the other hand, Bruno may have not enjoyed a great start to the season but he is still a vital cog in the Newcastle engine room. With his incisive passing and vision to spot the forwards in promising areas, the Brazilian can be a huge threat to the home side’s defence.
Both Hamer and Bruno are key to their respective teams, and the development of proceedings will determine who makes the greatest impression.