Newcastle vs Sheffield United Preview

After a disappointing 2-0 defeat at Crystal Palace in midweek, Newcastle United’s best hope this season is to finish sixth in the Premier League.

With this being the realistic ceiling for the Magpies, they now have to keep an eye on securing it, in order to play Europa Conference League football next season.

As the race for the final two European spots heats up, manager Eddie Howe knows his team cannot afford another slip-up.

Home Advantage for Newcastle

Newcastle will be looking to rebound at St. James’ Park after the midweek loss. The visit of bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United offers a perfect opportunity for the Magpies to get back on track.

They hold fond memories of their previous encounter with the Blades, having defeated them 8-0 in the reverse fixture—one of Newcastle’s biggest Premier League wins.

Moreover, Newcastle have won seven of the last eight league meetings with Sheffield United, suggesting this could be a favorable fixture for them.

Sheffield United’s Battle Against Relegation

Sheffield United’s relegation seems almost inevitable after a series of heavy defeats. A 4-1 loss to Burnley last weekend, followed by a 4-2 defeat to Manchester United in midweek, has left the Blades facing the reality of returning to the Championship.

Chris Wilder’s team might even be relegated if they lose against Newcastle, depending on the result of Nottingham Forest’s match against Manchester City.

Despite the grim outlook, the Blades will try to delay the inevitable and salvage some pride.

Their record at St. James’ Park doesn’t offer much hope, as they have lost three out of four Premier League visits ‘to nil’.

Sheffield United will need a remarkable turnaround to become the first newly-promoted team to win away at Newcastle since Leeds United did so in January 2021.

Players to Watch

Newcastle’s Alexander Isak has been in impressive form at home, scoring in six successive Premier League games, with five of those goals being the opening strike. His performances at St. James’ Park have been instrumental to the Magpies’ success this season.

Sheffield United’s Ben Brereton Díaz could make an impact from the bench, having scored his last three goals after the 50th minute, including a goal at Old Trafford in midweek. He might need to play a crucial role if the Blades are to challenge Newcastle in this fixture.

This Premier League clash has significant implications for both sides. Newcastle United need to secure a win to maintain their European aspirations, while Sheffield United will fight to avoid relegation.

The history and current form suggest that Newcastle have the upper hand, but football has a way of surprising us all. Tune in to see which team prevails in this crucial match.

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Newcastle v Sheffield Utd, 2023/24 | Premier League