Two of last season’s surprise European challengers in Sheffield United and Wolves square off for their opening game of the new Premier League campaign at Bramall Lane.
Sheffield United had a brilliant start upon their return to the Premier League last season. They were in the mix for a European spot before a late slump in form, on top of a poor goal record, left them to settle for ninth behind Arsenal and seventh-place Wolves.
The hosts at Bramall Lane will hope to rediscover their form, starting with a victory over Wolves tonight. Nuno Espirito Santo’s men, however, are no pushovers and hope to establish another top-six challenge themselves.
Sheffield United Form & Team Stats
A strong run of form at home was key to Sheffield United’s impressive showing in last season’s Premier League. They won 10 of their 19 fixtures, finishing with the second-best defensive record of 15 goals conceded and two behind Manchester City.
The €20.5m capture of Bournemouth goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, meanwhile, should prove a decent replacement for Dean Henderson, who has returned to Manchester United after two seasons on loan with the club.
Otherwise, it’s been a relatively quiet transfer window for Blades boss Chris Wilder. He’s welcomed a further four new faces in three defenders, including Chelsea’s Ethan Ampadu on loan, and another goalkeeper. No new striker, however, could prove costly as Sheffield United scored just 39 times in the previous campaign.
The fact they’ve played some pre-season friendlies could prove decisive in South Yorkshire as Wolves haven’t played any thanks to the quick turnaround from last season.
Key Team Stats
– Have won their last two home games against Wolves with under 2.5 goals registered.
– Have never lost a Premier League opener (W2 D2).
– Fourth-best defensive record in 2019/20 on 39 goals conceded, and second-best home record on 15 goals conceded.
– Sixth worst offensive record in 2019/20 (39 goals).
– Lost their last 3 league games.
Wolves Form & Team Stats
Missing out on European qualification by goal difference to Tottenham last season was an unwelcome blow. That failure, however, could prove to be a blessing in disguise as Wolves can fully concentrate on breaking into the Premier League top-six.
Losing full-back Matt Doherty to Spurs this summer was another unfortunate setback. Although it’s unlikely to hinder Nuno’s side too much, having boasted the league’s sixth-best away record last season.
The Wanderers have also undergone a relatively quiet summer transfer window, like several of their rivals. Their biggest coup was the €40m signing of 18-year-old forward Fabio Silva from FC Porto. Left-back Marcal and goalkeeper Matija Sarkic have also joined on permanent deals, with another Porto man in Vitinha arriving on loan to support Nuno’s midfield options.
It should be a relatively close and low-goal laden affair in Yorkshire tonight, though. Both teams emphasize on using a back-three, with Wolves conceding just one goal less than Sheffield United’s 39 last season.
Key Team Stats
– Under 2.5 goals scored in 9 of their last 10 league games.
– Haven’t lost a league opener since 2012/13 against Leeds United (W3 D4).
– Haven’t scored in their last two visits to Bramall Lane.
Sheffield United & Wolves Team News
Sheffield: David McGoldrick, Sander Berge, Lys Mousset, & Simon Moore (all doubts).
Wolves: Jonny (Injured); Adama Traore (doubt).
Head-To-Head Record
Match Facts
Betting Tips
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