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Preview: Sheffield United vs. Leicester City - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Sunday's Premier League clash between Sheffield United and Leicester City, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Sheffield United and Leicester City will both be seeking a return to winning ways in the Premier League when they face off at Bramall Lane this weekend.

The Blades enter Sunday's contest on a five-game losing streak, while Leicester have lost back-to-back matches in the top flight and three of their last four overall.


Match preview

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder pictured on November 22, 2020© Reuters

Last week's 1-0 loss to West Bromwich Albion means that United have now officially made the worst start of any club in Premier League history.

With one point from a possible 30 to their name, coming in a 1-1 home draw with Fulham, it is also the joint-worst start to a season in English top-flight history.

Chris Wilder's job does not appear to be under threat, helped by last season's impressive first campaign back in the Premier League, but that will surely change if results do not improve.

Even 2019-20 ended on a low note for the blunt Blades, though, as they slipped down the division after challenging for a European spot at one point.

Taking their results from last season into account, they are now winless in 13 Premier League games, losing 12 of those - not since December 2010-March 2011 (14 games) have they endured a longer run.

Leicester may be 16 places and 17 points better off than their opponents, but that does not mean victory this weekend is any less imperative for Brendan Rodgers's men.

Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers pictured in November 2020© Reuters

The Foxes followed up a 3-0 away loss to a depleted Liverpool with a shock 2-1 home defeat against Fulham last time out, seeing them slip to fourth place.

Thursday's 1-0 reverse at the hands of Zorya Luhansk was another blow, albeit in a game that saw Rodgers make mass changes with qualification to the last 32 of the Europa League already secured.

Monday's defeat to Fulham means that Leicester have now lost three of their last four league games against sides starting the day in the relegation zone - as many as they suffered in the previous 27 such matches.

Motivation may well be a factor for City, though with games against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United on the horizon, they cannot afford for their blip to go on any longer.

This may just be the perfect fixture for the visitors to kickstart their outside title bid as they have won four of their last five meetings with United, including both league games last term.

In fact, the Blades are winless in their last eight league encounters with Leicester since a 3-0 home win in the Championship 12 years ago, losing the last three.

Sheffield United Premier League form: DLLLLL

Leicester City Premier League form: LWWWLL
Leicester City form (all competitions): WWLDLL


Team News

Leicester City forward Jamie Vardy celebrates scoring against Braga in the Europa League on November 26, 2020© Reuters

Ethan Ampadu and Enda Stevens are doubtful for United, while Jack O'Connell's long-term absence is being felt at the back.

Wilder may be tempted to change things on the back of his side's latest loss, with Rhian Brewster, John Lundstram and Lys Mousset all pushing for inclusion.

Jack Robinson is another contender to come back into the side after being overlooked in favour of Kean Bryan last time out.

As for Leicester, Rodgers was boosted by the returns of Ricardo Pereira, Wilfred Ndidi and Caglar Soyuncu against Zorya.

All three are being eased back to fitness, though, with Rodgers expected to revert back to a similar XI to the one used versus Fulham.

That includes a likely start for Jamie Vardy, who has scored seven of his eight league goals this term away from home - more than any other player in the division.

Sheffield United possible starting lineup:
Ramsdale; Basham, Egan, Bryan; Baldock, Berge, Norwood, Fleck, Lowe; McBurnie, Burke

Leicester City possible starting lineup:
Schmeichel; Fofana, Evans, Fuchs; Justin, Tielemans, Mendy, Barnes; Maddison, Praet; Vardy


SM words green background

We say: Sheffield United 0-2 Leicester City

Both teams will be targeting victory this weekend for different reasons - United to make up some ground on 17th place, Leicester to avoid slipping out of top-four contention.

Leicester won four away league games in a row before going down to Liverpool, while also boasting a great record in this fixture, so we are backing them to win comfortably.


Top betting tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting a double chance bet on a draw or an away win in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Draw/Away:data



Video prediction

Watch the Sports Mole Football Shorts prediction for this game below:


ID:425077:cQx

Who will win Sunday's Premier League clash between Sheff Utd and Leicester?

Sheffield United
19.6%
Draw
18.8%
Leicester City
61.6%
414
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Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder pictured on November 7, 2020
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rhs 2.0
Todays Game Header Right
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Tottenham HotspurSpurs1274124101425
2Liverpool127412718925
3Leicester CityLeicester128042415924
4Southampton127232417723
5Chelsea1264225121322
6West Ham UnitedWest Ham126242015520
7Everton126242118320
8Manchester UnitedMan Utd116231917220
9Manchester CityMan City115421711619
10Aston Villa106042113818
11Crystal Palace125251817117
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115241416-217
13Wolverhampton WanderersWolves125251116-517
14Leeds UnitedLeeds124261722-514
15Arsenal124171015-513
16Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton122461521-610
17Burnley11236618-129
18Fulham122281222-108
19West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom12138925-166
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd120111521-161

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