Sheffield United v Newcastle Preview
Posted on | November 2, 2009 | No Comments
After starting the season on fire, these two sides have endured dips in form over the last few weeks. Recent results haven’t affected Newcastle too much with the Magpies still in the lofty position of 3rd, although it’s a different story for Sheffield United who have slipped all the way down to 15th.
It took a month and a half for Sheffield United to lose their first league game although since then, things have gone dramatically downhill at Bramall Lane. Kevin Blackwell’s men were in a comfortable playoff position but recent results, which ranks them as the worst form team through the last six games, means they’ve dropped a frightening number of places and are actually closer to the relegation zone now. They’ve lost their last three games but the main statistic there will be in the number of goals they’ve conceded, with the Blades letting in ten in those fixtures. Considering the fact that two of those games were against pre-season relegation candidates Scunthorpe and Blackpool, it could be time to worry at Bramall Lane. Kevin Blackwell keeps blaming an injury crisis, but after making the playoff final last season supporters will be starting to get restless and his position could soon be under threat.
Newcastle’s form over the last few weeks hasn’t been quite as bad as United’s, although still the St James’ Park faithful will not be satisfied. They managed to come from behind and grab a last minute victory against Doncaster in their last game, but before then their form had been patchy. They hadn’t won in four and considering that two of those were defeats, they gave up their lead at the top. Still, it’s hardly time to worry and considering the fact that things are stabilizing off the field, you can only predict a bright future for the Magpies. They sit just one point from top spot which means a victory in this game will put them top of the tree.
Sheffield United’s injury problems continue for this one and the Blades will be without Jamie Ward, Derek Geary, Gary Naysmith, James Harper, Nick Montgomery, Andrew Davies and Lee Williamson who are all on the treatment table. It’s much brighter for Newcastle on the other hand who look set to welcome back Fabricio Coloccini, Steven Taylor and Danny Simpson from injury. However, Shola Ameobi and Joey Barton will miss out again as they nurse their long-term foot problems.
As for a prediction, the neutral should expect an entertaining game. There have been an incredible twenty five goals scored already at Bramall Lane and with United having obvious problems at the back, we think Newcastle could capitalize. Our prediction: 3-1 Magpies.
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