Manchester City host Sheffield United on Saturday, where they will look to apply pressure to the top two with a win. The Citizens have won the last seven meetings between the two sides, including the reverse fixture this season, which ended 2-1.
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola’s side has already won the Club World Cup this season, however, they haven’t been their completely dominant selves, with hints of vulnerability throughout the season. Despite that, City still sits in fourth place, five points off top with a game in hand. They are still the top scorers in the Premier League, netting 2.39 goals per game. The Citizens have also conceded the third fewest per game, 1.17.
Last time out, City travelled to Goodison Park, where they picked up a 3-1 victory. Everton took the lead early on, but a moment of magic from Phil Foden pulled his side level. A Julien Alvarez penalty and a wonderful Bernardo Silva strike, which capitalised on a mistake, secured the win.
Sheffield United
The Blades have really struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League this season, and they’re currently rock bottom of the table with just nine points from 19 matches. Sheffield United are the lowest scorers, with an average per game of 0.79, whilst also conceding the most, at 2.47 on average per match. Despite this, their recent away performance against Aston Villa showed improvement, and it proved that they can be a difficult side to breakdown.
Last time out, Chris Wilder’s team suffered a painful 3-2 home loss to fellow strugglers Luton Town. The visitors took the lead before the break, but by the 70th minute, the Blades were 2-1 up. However, their hard work was undone by two own goals, which handed the Hatters three points.
Verdict?
There’s only one side that will win this game, and it is the hosts. Finding odds with good value will be difficult, as City to win is priced at 1/16 on SkyBet. Sheffield United may make it difficult at first by sitting in deep, but Guardiola's side will dominate throughout.
The final prediction is Man City 4-0 Sheffield United.
