Sheffield United VS Bournemouth Match Prediction
2020-02-09
14:00:00
Sheffield United
VS
Bournemouth
Our Prediction Tip
Sheffield United will win this match.
2020-02-0914:00:00 Sheffield United will win this match.
Bournemouth have only beaten Sheffield United in 16 previous matches between the two – that win coming in August 1987. They drew 1-1 at the start of this season, as Billy Sharp cancelled out Chris Mepham’s goal late on as the Blades returned to the top flight. It was their first meeting in six-and-a-half years, with the previous one having come in the third tier in 2013.
Sheffield United’s excellent season continued with a narrow win against Crystal Palace last weekend and narrow wins are what they have done best this season.
The Blades have let in only 23 goals in 25 league games and continue to push for European qualification as a result.
They have added more solidity in midfield with the signing of Sander Berge too, and they can sign off for their short winter break with another home win against Bournemouth.
Bournemouth, for their part, have won two matches in a row in the league to ease some of the pressure that was building.
But they have not been consistent enough in front of goal to suggest they will have the beating of this stubborn Sheffield United defence.
Their injury problems persist too, even if the long injury list is easing, and Jefferson Lerma will be missed in midfield due to his suspension too.
Even without those problems, Sheffield United have been excellent this season – masters of finding ways to win, and so difficult to beat on so many occasions.
It is telling that their only recent losses have come against the top two – champions Manchester City and league leaders Liverpool.
With home advantage too, Chris Wilder’s side can claim another three points.
Sheffield United are favourites to win at home, and can be backed at 8/11 with Betfair and Betway.
Another Sheffield United win to nil returns 6/4 with Betway and Bet365, meanwhile, and betting against both teams to score has been set at a best price of 8/11 with 888sport.
Under 2.5 goals has been priced at 4/6 with 888sport, while under 1.5 goals is 41/20 with 888sport.
At the other end, Lys Mousset could be key against his former team – he is a best price of 6/4 to score at any time.
Bournemouth might have got back to winning ways, but Sheffield United’s good form and excellent defensive record makes them favourites for this one.
David McGoldrick is Sheffield United’s only fitness doubt – as he was last weekend – but he is only likely to be on the bench if he overcomes his ankle injury anyway. John Lundstram dropped to the bench to accommodate new signing Sander Berge last time out, but he could be back in the midfield to face Bournemouth.
Lys Mousset – Will be keen to make his mark against his former club after scoring five goals so far this season but none since December.
Sander Berge – The Blades broke their transfer record to sign the powerful Norwegian midfielder and he adds even more bit to a solid midfield trio.
Dean Henderson – Sheffield United have been solid at the back, and the goalkeeper’s excellent form – amid being tipped for an England call-up – is a large part of that.
Sheffield United have bounced back from their 1-0 defeat to champions Manchester City by beating Millwall and Crystal Palace in their last two matches. In the FA Cup, Mo Besic and Oliver Norwood scored in a 2-0 win against the Championship team, while Vicente Guaita’s bad own goal ensured the Blades won 1-0 at Palace last weekend.
Jefferson Lerma is suspended and the Cherries still have seven other players on their injury list – Arnaut Groeneveld, Lloyd Kelly, Charlie Daniels, David Brooks and Chris Mepham will definitely be out but Josh King and Jack Stacey could be fit to return.
Callum Wilson – The striker’s form has not matched his previous couple of seasons but with chances likely to be at a premium against the Blades, he needs to take any that fall his way.
Nathan Ake – Scored against Villa last weekend, but it will be in defence where he will be key, as he looks to keep the likes of former team-mate Mousset out.
Ryan Fraser – The Scottish winger has provided plenty of assists in his time with Bournemouth and he could be key to breaking down this stubborn Sheffield United defence.
Bournemouth have won their last two league games, beating Brighton and Aston Villa at home to get back on track. They lost 2-1 to Arsenal in the FA Cup in between, but Harry Wilson, Callum Wilson and an own goal against Brighton ended their recent losing streak and Nathan Ake and Philip Billing scored in last weekend’s win against Villa.
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