Newcastle host Sheffield United, looking for three points to strengthen their grip in the top six of the Premier League table.
Date: 27/04/24
Kick-off time: 15:00
Venue: St James’ Park
With three wins in four, Newcastle have been able to climb up the table into sixth place, meaning it is in their hands to finish within the top six. As only six games remain, it is unlikely they are able to catch Tottenham in fifth, who they trail by 10 points. Sixth will get a Europa League spot, so they will hope to finish as strong as possible. However, they are level on points with Man United, and are just two and three points ahead of West Ham and Chelsea, with the latter having a game in hand. Any slip-up will be taken advantage of, which is why the games against the likes of Sheffield United are must wins for Eddie Howe’s side.
The Blades have been all but condemned to an immediate return to the Championship as they are 10 points behind Nottingham Forest in 17th. They will play the last few games playing for pride, as they look to finish on as many points as possible. Not finishing bottom is still a possibility, and they will try to pick up as many points as they can.
Chris Wilder’s men have the worst defence in the division, having let in a whopping 88 goals. Newcastle have scored 12 in their last four, and will be extremely confident in significantly boosting that figure. Alexander Isak has enjoyed an incredible campaign, scoring 17 goals in 24 league appearances. Anthony Gordon has also contributed greatly with 10 goals and eight assists. If the visitors are to threaten, they will turn to Oli McBurnie, who is their top scorer with six. There have been five Premier League meetings between these two sides since 2019. It has been an extremely favourable fixture for Newcastle, as they have won four of these games and lost just once. That defeat was a narrow 1-0 defeat at Bramall Lane in 2021, in which Billy Sharp scored the winner from the penalty spot. The reverse fixture earlier this season was anything but close, with Newcastle winning 8-0 away from home. Eight different players were on the scoresheet, including Callum Wilson, Gordon and Isak.