Sheffield United v West Brom Preview

Posted on | August 28, 2009 | 1 Comment

Both of these sides are tipped to do well this season and both managers will probably be aiming to reach the automatic positions. As it stands things seem to be going to plan as well, with Sheffield United sat in 6^th position while West Brom are just a couple of places higher in 4^th.

Following their play off final anguish last season Sheffield United have enjoyed a positive start to this campaign, with the Blades unbeaten in their four league games. An interesting statistic is that the last time they started the season unbeaten in five was when they were promoted to the Premiership back in the 2003/04 season. Many were impressed with their character in their last game where despite going a goal down at Reading, they battled back and won that game 3-1. However, despite that impressive win on the road, their main weapon is at home where their last defeat was all the way back in February. If Kevin Blackwell’s men can keep this sort of form going, there’s no reason why they can’t match or better last season’s top six finish.

It’s been an equally impressive start for West Brom as well who are also unbeaten in the league. Roberto Di Mateo’s men have collected ten points from their opening four games having won three and drawn one. The Baggies have also progressed to the third round of the Carling Cup although it was by no means easy, with Rotherham taking them to extra time before Di Mateo’s men eventually won it with a 3-2 score line. Already the Hawthorns outfit have put together a run that’s seen them win five games on the bounce and just like Sheffield United, this sort of form suggests that they won’t be far off come the end of the season.

All of Sheffield United’s injury problems are based in midfield as both Keith Treacy and Brian Howard face a battle to be fit. Both have been involved in the majority of the games this season but with Treacy still struggling with the injury that forced him off against Reading and Howard down with tonsillitis, it remains to be seen whether or not they’ll be available. As for West Brom, Roberto Di Mateo should welcome back Robert Koren after a calf strain but Chris Brunt is almost certainly out. New signing Gonzalo Jaro won’t play due to problems with his international clearance, while Jerome Thomas and Joe Mattock are both doubtful.

Both of these sides are unbeaten in the league and with that, it’s a tough game to predict. However, West Brom have a good record at Bramall Lane and with that, we’ll go for a tight 1-0 victory for Roberto Di Mateo’s men.

Related posts:

1. West Brom vs Manchester United preview
2. West Brom v Sheffield Wednesday Preview
3. Barnsley v West Brom Preview
4. West Brom v Newcastle Preview
5. West Brom v Reading Preview

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