MX23RW : Thursday, January 21 13:52:45| >> :120:6038:6038:
Jan 17, 2021 at 2pm UK at Bramall Lane
Sheff UtdSheffield United
1-3
SpursTottenham Hotspur
McGoldrick (59')
Norwood (23'), Lundstram (50'), Egan (86'), Ampadu (90+1')
FT(HT: 0-2)
Aurier (5'), Kane (40'), Ndombele (62')

Preview: Sheffield United vs. Tottenham Hotspur - prediction, team news, lineups

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

Tottenham Hotspur make the trip to Sheffield United sitting six points adrift of leaders Manchester United in the Premier League standings.

While the home side are nine points behind 17th-placed Brighton & Hove Albion, the midweek triumph over Newcastle United has given hope to Chris Wilder's team as they bid to avoid relegation.


Match preview

Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho pictured on January 9, 2021© Reuters

Having put together a six-match unbeaten run in all competitions, there are reasons why Jose Mourinho should feel positive about the development of his Spurs side.

However, conceding late equalisers against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Fulham is the difference between sixth and second, and it has left the Portuguese demanding more of a ruthless streak from his players.

Some will argue that Mourinho also has a responsibility to deploy more attack-minded tactics, a debate which will inevitably be played down by the Spurs boss given his success in the past.

Nevertheless, the North London outfit are at a stage in their campaign where they need to turn draws into victories, especially this weekend with four of the top seven playing each other.

There is an opportunity to make up the ground lost in failing to see off Fulham on Wednesday evening, but Son Heung-min and Harry Kane are in need of more assistance from their teammates in the final third.

As far as Sheffield United are concerned, they will head into this fixture with some pressure having been lifted off their shoulders for the first time in months.

While the victories over Bristol Rovers and Newcastle were far from pretty, Wilder will be ecstatic that an 18-match winless streak has been brought to an end.

The fact that their 1-0 success against an unimaginative Newcastle side came courtesy of a penalty will not be lost on Wilder, but it has at least set the ball rolling with regards to making up ground on the teams above them.

A mix of title-chasing clubs and relegation rivals are to come over the next five weeks, although the Blades are aware that they have to set out to defeat each of their remaining 20 opponents if they wish to stay in the top flight.

Sheffield United Premier League form: LDLLLW
Sheffield United form (all competitions): DLLLWW

Tottenham Hotspur Premier League form: DLLDWD
Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions): WDWWWD



Team News

Dele Alli in action for Spurs on November 26, 2020© Reuters

Mourinho will almost certainly make changes to his Spurs XI with Toby Alderweireld and Lucas Moura in line for recalls.

Despite remaining as unused substitutes against Fulham, Dele Alli and Gareth Bale are expected to stay among the replacements.

Barring any late fitness issues, Wilder could opt against making any alterations to his Sheffield United XI.

Oliver Burke is likely to keep his spot in the side ahead of Tuesday's matchwinner Billy Sharp.

Jack O'Connell and Sander Berge remain long-term absentees from the squad.

Sheffield United possible starting lineup:
Ramsdale; Basham, Egan, Ampadu; Bogle, Lundstram, Norwood, Fleck, Osborn; McGoldrick, Burke

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:
Lloris; Aurier, Alderweireld, Dier, Davies; Sissoko, Hojbjerg; Moura, Ndombele, Son; Kane


SM words green background

We say: Sheffield United 1-3 Tottenham Hotspur

Mourinho cut a frustrated figure on Wednesday night, and we expect that to lead to a response from his players. Despite the Blades being on a high after edging out Newcastle, they may struggle to cope with Spurs' extra quality in the final third.


Top betting tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting under 3.5 goals 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.Under 3.5:data



Video prediction

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


ID:430588:cQx

How you voted: Sheff Utd vs Spurs

Sheffield United
10.8%
Draw
12.1%
Tottenham Hotspur
77.1%
157
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Dele Alli in action for Spurs on November 26, 2020
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PSG to step up Dele Alli pursuit?
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Todays Game Header Right
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester UnitedMan Utd19124336251140
2Manchester CityMan City18115231131838
3Leicester CityLeicester19122535211438
4Liverpool1897237211634
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs1896333171633
6Everton1710252821732
7West Ham UnitedWest Ham199552722532
8Chelsea1985633231029
9Southampton188552621529
10Arsenal198382319427
11Aston Villa1682629181126
12Leeds UnitedLeeds187293034-423
13Crystal Palace196582233-1123
14Wolverhampton WanderersWolves196492129-822
15Newcastle UnitedNewcastle185491830-1219
16Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton193882229-717
17Burnley17449922-1316
18Fulham1826101527-1212
19West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom1925121543-2811
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd1912161032-225

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