Aston Villa VS Sheffield United Match Prediction
2020-06-17
17:00:00
Aston Villa
VS
Sheffield United
Our Prediction Tip
Sheffield United will win this match.
2020-06-1717:00:00 Sheffield United will win this match.
Both teams were promoted together last summer, with the Blades having had the better of their most recent head-to-head fixtures in the Championship. This year’s only previous Premier League meeting saw John Fleck score two second-half goals in a 2-0 Sheffield United win at Bramall Lane. Here are the results of the last five matches:
Dec 14, 2019: Sheffield United 2-0 Aston Villa
Feb 08, 2019: Aston Villa 3-3 Sheffield United
Sep 01, 2018: Sheffield United 4-1 Aston Villa
Jan 30, 2018: Sheffield United 0-1 Aston Villa
Dec 23, 2017: Aston Villa 2-2 Sheffield United
It was no secret that Aston Villa were desperate for football to resume so that they had time to climb away from the relegation zone.
The simple fact remains, however, that they have not looked capable and five consecutive defeats prior to the season pausing is a reflection of that.
Weak in defence – conceding four at Leicester last time out – and struggling to make a big impact up front, particularly with Wesley on the long-term injury list.
Jack Grealish has been their stand-out player once again but he can not lift this team on his own.
Sheffield United have been the exact opposite story. They are team without stand-out stars but Chris Wilder has built a unit that has been fiercely tight at the back and still in European contention
The Blades’ hopes of qualifying for Europe rest on them regaining their momentum from the off, and they have a big chance to do that at Villa Park.
Villa’s home advantage is negated by the absence of any fans for this game and Sheffield United can ensure they kick off the resumption of the Premier League season with an important three points.
Aston Villa vs Sheffield United Recommended bets with odds
Sheffield United are favourites to win as Premier League football returns. They can be backed at 5/4 with Bet365, 888sport and Betfair.
The Blades’ defensive record, combined with Villa’s poor attacking form, makes betting against both teams to score at evens with Betfair and Betway a tempting price.
Under 2.5 goals will return 8/11 with 888sport, Bet365, Betfair and Paddy Power.
Billy Sharp scored the winner in each of the last two Sheffield United matches. He is a best price of 21/10 with Paddy Power, 888sport and Betfair to score at any time.
Sheffield United have made a habit of clean sheets and narrow wins and they can pick up exactly where they left off in that regard.
Despite the long break, Aston Villa still have two long-term absentees – Tom Heaton remains sidelined in goal and striker Wesley is not expected back until next season either. Jed Steer and John McGinn are back in contention, however.
Jack Grealish – Aston Villa’s stand-out player by far before the enforced break, having scored nine goals this season and set up a further eight too.
Anwar El Ghazi – Supplying goals in Wesley’s absence, while the winger has also set up seven goals this season too.
Conor Hourihane – Struggled for regular appearances, which as been a surprise given Villa usually do better with the Irishman in their midfield.
Aston Villa lost five matches in a row before lockdown, which included a 2-1 defeat in the Carabao Cup final to Manchester City – Mbwana Samatta’s goal unable to inspire a comeback. Their only match since then was the most recent match to have been played in the Premier League – a 4-0 defeat to Leicester City.
Chris Wilder has a fully-fit squad to choose from, including Dean Henderson in goal – he will be available for this match whether or not the Blades are successful in extending his loan for the rest of the campaign.
Dean Henderson – Sheffield United boast one of the meanest defences in the Premier League at the moment and the goalkeeper has been central to that.
Lys Mousset – The Blades have not scored many this season but the striker has hit five of them and set up four more too.
John Fleck – The Scottish midfielder has been a key part of Sheffield United’s form this season, adding bite in midfield as well as five goals.
Billy Sharp scored the winning goal in both of Sheffield United’s last two matches in March. First, his extra-time strike earned the Blades a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals after a 2-1 win at Reading, before he scored the only goal of the game at home to Norwich City.
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