Sheffield United take on Crystal Palace at Bramall Lane on Saturday afternoon, with Paul Heckingbottom’s side looking to build some momentum ahead of their return to the Championship next season.
Although the Blades are rock bottom and already relegated, they showed some resilience with a 1-0 win against Brighton in their last home fixture and will be looking to re-establish Bramall Lane as a place to be feared ahead of next season, with their home form having been a key aspect of their promotion to the top flight and their impressive 2019/20 campaign in the Premier League.
There is likely to be plenty of changes from Heckingbottom after the Blades were thrashed by Tottenham in their last Premier League fixture, after a Gareth Bale hat-trick and Heung-min Son stunner earned the hosts a 4-0 win.
Here’s how Football FanCast thinks Heckingbottom will line up on Saturday, with two changes from the starting team which lost in north London…
Aaron Ramsdale keeps his place in goal, with the summer signing one of few players to escape this season with little criticism, as he has made some impressive saves and looks set for a bright future.
Due to a lack of defensive options, Heckingbottom goes with the same back five, as Ethan Ampadu and Jack O’Connell are still sidelined, with the latter having been a huge miss for the Blades this season after an excellent 2019/20 campaign.
There is one change in midfield as Sander Berge earns a start after making his return from injury as a substitute against Spurs. He replaces Ben Osborn, who struggled in North London, losing six of his 10 duels and giving the ball away 13 times.
David McGoldrick continues up front as Sheffield United’s main goal threat and he is partnered by the energetic Oliver Burke, who replaces Rhian Brewster. The youngster, who reportedly earns £27,500 per week at Bramall Lane, was anonymous once again in the defeat against Spurs, completing a pathetic total of three passes. The £23.5m signing is still awaiting his first Blades goal after 28 appearances.
In other news… Sheffield United should swoop for “top-class” £3.15m-rated gem likened to Messi