Burnley vs Sheffield United. Prediction and Preview. Probable Lineups, Team News, Stats and more

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Battle of the Championship titans: will the Blades be able to secure direct promotion to the EPL?

Burnley FC will host Sheffield United FC in the EFL Championship 41st-tour match at Turf Moor Stadium. The fixture will take place on Tuesday, April 11, beginning at 00:30 IST.

What can we expect this Tuesday night? Parimatch News will tell you everything you need to know ahead of the upcoming match.

Burnley News & Current Form:

The team, after a long and quite successful era under Sean Dyche, still lost its place in the English Premier League. But definitely did not plan to linger in the Championship, which is why they called up Kompany. While the Belgian is legendary as a player in English soccer, his success as a coach at RSC Anderlecht was dubious, if not apprehensive. 

It is important to mention in which state the club was when Kompany came to the team. The moment of relegation from EPL coincided with having to pay off a $65 mln loan. To help solve the financial problems, top players were sold to other teams. 

For example, goalkeeper Nick Pope transferred to Newcastle United FC, defender Nathan Collins joined Wolverhampton Wanderers FC  and winger Dwight McNeill was sold to Everton FC. Long-serving defenders Ben Mee and James Tarkowski also left on free transfers to join Brentford FC and Everton respectively.

Several players from Belgium joined the team, among them were midfielder Josh Cullen from Anderlecht and winger Anass Zaroury from Royal Charleroi SC.

To strengthen their squad, Burnley opted for loan signings, including forward Nathan Tella from Southampton FC and Chelsea FC  full-back Ian Maatsen. Kompany used his connections at Manchester City to bring in goalkeeper Arijanet Muric and defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

But in the end, Vincent Kompany’s team made history at the Riverside Stadium on Friday, defeating an unbeaten Middlesbrough FC side at home. Burnley knew that a win would secure their promotion to the Premier League after showing terrific results for the whole season. 25 wins, 12 draws and only two losses for a total goal difference of 76 – 30.

The Clarets’ supporters erupted in wild celebrations as Connor Roberts scored the 2nd goal in the 66th minute with an assist from Nathan Tella. The first goal of Burnley was scored in the 12th minute by Ashley Barnes, Chuba Akpom scored a penalty for Boro, but it didn’t help his team win the clash.

The coach of Middlesbrough, Michael Carrick, congratulated their opponents after the game:

“I have to say huge credit to Burnley and congratulations because they deserved to go up and they have been the best team over the season so fair play to them for that, but it’s bitterly disappointing for the players. I’m proud of them and I couldn’t ask for anymore so we’ll take a lot more from the game than we lose.”

“Fair play to them, they’ve had a terrific season, they really have. It’s not easy when you come down to the Championship to go back up, they’ve changed a fair bit, so fair play to Vincent and his staff. I think they’ve deserved that over a period of time.”

This was the first time a team had secured promotion from the Championship with seven games remaining. Although Burnley have accomplished the primary goal of the season, Kompany’s team still has more targets to achieve. The Clarets are now focused on winning the title and attempting to surpass the all-time points record of 106 set by Reading FC. Now they have 87 points after playing 39 games.

Burnley FC players celebrating promotion to Premier League

Very soon Burnley will face Sheffield United with an 11-point lead over them, aiming to extend their unbeaten run to 20 games. Additionally, the team is focused on maintaining their unbeaten home record, having collected 48 out of a possible 60 points at Turf Moor since their return to the Championship.

Burnley’s almost flawless night at the Riverside was slightly marred by Nathan Tella’s apparent struggle before he was substituted with Michael Obafemi in the closing stages. However, the Southampton loanee was later spotted fully enjoying the post-match celebrations. As a consequence, only Darko Churlinov remains absent for the Clarets due to a lingering leg issue.

Sheffield United News & Current Form: 

Sheffield United won’t be able to spoil Burnley’s promotion celebrations on Tuesday, and they must now focus on their own promotion race while keeping an eye on their competitors. Despite their lack of cutting edge in Friday’s game against Wigan Athletic FC, the Blades managed to scrape a 1 – 0 victory through an early goal by  Iliman Ndiaye.

At this stage of the season, results are more important than performances for Sheffield United, who currently hold an eight-point lead over Luton Town FC with a game in hand. However, regardless of what happens this weekend, the Blades will not be conducting their own promotion parade.

Paul Heckingbottom’s team is on a four-game winning streak in all competitions, with three of those victories coming in the Championship. They have also won their last three away games since a winless run of four games on the road at the start of 2023. Team has 76 points after 39 games: 23 wins, seven draws and nine defeats. The goal ratio is 60-33.

Although Burnley suffered one of their two Championship defeats this season to Sheffield United in November, losing 5 – 2, the hosts have not lost to their upcoming opponents at Turf Moor since the 2008-09 Championship campaign. The current Blades striker, Billy Sharp, scored in that game to secure a 2 – 1 victory.

Sheffield United FC players celebrating victory

They also proved themselves in the cup format in parallel. As part of their winning streak, the visitors beat Sunderland AFC (2 – 1), Norwich City FC (1 – 0), Wigan (1 – 0) and Blackburn Rovers FC (3 – 2), thus reaching the Emirates FA Cup semi-finals.

Recovery of Enda Stevens from a hamstring injury has hit a roadblock, and he remains unavailable for Sheffield United. He is one of four players struggling with injuries in the same area, alongside Ben Osborn, Rhys Norrington-Davies, and Rhian Brewster.

Jack O’Connell is gradually regaining his fitness on the training field after a double knee operation that kept him out of action since September 2020. Meanwhile, Ciaran Clark was named as a substitute against Wigan after recovering from a back spasm.

Experienced midfielder Oliver Norwood, who has made three consecutive appearances as a substitute, may finally be included in the starting lineup.

Burnley form guide: D-W-W-L-D-W

Sheffield United form guide: W-L-W-W-W-W

Burnley vs Sheffield United Head-To-Head Record: 

BurnleyDrawSheffield United
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  • November 2, 2019: Sheffield United 3 – 0 Burnley (Premier League);
  • July 5, 2020: Burnley 1 – 1 Sheffield United (Premier League);
  • September 17, 2020: Burnley  1 – 1 Sheffield United (League Cup);
  • December 29, 2020: Burnley 1 – 0 Sheffield United (Premier League);
  • May 23, 2021: Sheffield United 1 – 0 Burnley (Premier League);
  • November 5, 2022: Sheffield United 5 – 2 Burnley ( Championship).

Burnley vs Sheffield United Predicted XI:

Burnley possible starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Muric; Roberts, Beyer, Al-Dakhil, Maatsen; Cullen, Brownhill; Tella, Gudmundsson, Zaroury; Barnes.

Sheffield United possible starting lineup (3-4-2-1): Foderingham; Robinson, Egan, Ahmedhodzic; Bogle, Norwood, Berge, Doyle, Baldock; McAtee; Ndiaye.

Statistical preview of the match Burnley vs Sheffield United:

  • Burnley’s First XI average age is 25.8 yrs.
  • Sheffield United have won their last 4 matches.
  • Burnley are unbeaten in 23 of their last 25 games.
  • Burnley are unbeaten in their last 6 games against this opponent at home.
  • Burnley concedes an average of 1.60 goals per game in their last 5 games.
  • Sheffield United are scoring an average of 1.40 goals per game in their last 5 games.
  • Sheffield United are conceding an average of 0.80 goals per game in their last 5 games.
  • Burnley are scoring an average of 1.60 goals per game in their last 5 games.
  • Burnley is the only team in the division that has never lost at home.
  • At the distance of the last six home confrontations, Kompany’s team conceded only one goal.
  • Sheffield has won three straight away matches. In the league, the Blades have a good away record. In particular, they concede the least.
  • Burnley’s top scorers – Nathan Tella (19 + 4), Anass Zaroury (11 + 4), Benson Manuel (9 + 4).
  • United’s top scorers – Iliman Ndiaye (13 + 8), Oliver McBurnie (13 + 2 ), James McAtee (6 + 5).

What has been said before the match:

The Clarets’ boss Vincent Kompany shared his thoughts after his team was promoted to the top division:

“I’m really pleased, I’m happy for the players and all the staff, everyone involved this season. We’ve made memories, special memories on a special night here. I can’t really put into words right now the emotions and the feeling of it.”

“It’s hard to rank this feeling. Outstanding, amazing, these moments I have known in the past but today really was special. I loved the moment just traveling on the bus, getting here, the game, everything about it was just so good.

“Although, we don’t have the trophy, they have to have something in their hands at the end of the season for a reward. But I know what this means to everyone at this Club. Burnley are back in the Premier League and it’s special.”

“Fans were amazing again tonight and I hope they travel home with a big smile and I hope memories were made for them tonight that can last a lifetime.”

“We can go for more now and that needs to be the aim. We’ll have a bit of a drink, and tomorrow I’m just as excited about the future.”

He also talked about the upcoming game with Sheffield United:

“The job is not finished yet for us. Tomorrow I will be all in on Sheffield United and all my focus will be on that and tonight will feel like a memory.”

“I had my moment tonight watching as the team celebrated with the fans, it was amazing and I would love it to be electric on Monday, we need them once again.”

“As you know, I don’t need to remind anyone of the last game we played against Sheffield United, and it wasn’t a good day for us. Plenty of motivation for us there, don’t worry about that!”

The Blades’ coach Paul Heckingbottom ahead of the Tuesday clash with leaders of the Championship:

“To go with that level of consistency that they have had it’s been Vincent that’s been driving that, so I know that result he will be wanting to put that right. We have to be prepared for that. We have to be prepared for them at their best and them wanting to set the record straight.”

“That’s good, we enjoy that and it will make for a good game for everyone to watch. There will be lots of things different in terms of personnel that they have got back and personnel we had missing.”

“We have even more back if you look at the squad. The one thing that is the same is that it’s still the top two teams and I am looking forward to it. There will be a good edge and a good atmosphere to it.”

Burnley vs Sheffield United Prediction:

The battle of the Championship’s leaders is bound to spark considerable attention from football fans, with both clubs likely to be promoted to the top division — English Premier League — to feature in the 23/24 campaign. Burnley have already completed their fundamental task, and now their ultimate motivation is to continue their dominance. And on paper, Vincent Kompany’s men have a great chance of extending their excellent unbeaten streak to 20 matches. In fact, the Blades are unwittingly classified as underdogs as the Clarets boast the best home record in the league this season – 14 wins and six draws in their 20 games at Turf Moor.

Talking about the pattern of the game, these two teams place a serious emphasis on the solid defensive play – this is a meeting between two of the best defences in the second-strongest league in England (Burnley concede 0.76 per game on average, Sheffield – 0.84). Neither of them will want to take much risk, with a draw, at the very least, being not the worst option for either side. It’s unlikely to be very spectacular and we certainly shouldn’t expect too many goals.

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Parimatch News staff prediction:

We say: Burnley will not lose and the match total will be under 3.5 – Yes.

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