Sheffield United return to the Premier League this weekend with the hosting of Crystal Palace at Bramall Lane with both sides looking to get off to a winning start after underwhelming transfer windows that saw key players depart.
Wilfried Zaha has left Palace to join Galatasaray, while Iliman Ndiaye has joined Marseille from the Yorkshire side. It makes this game and the remainder of the season a tough one to call for both clubs, but Palace remain the narrow favourites to snatch all three points on opening day at 11/8.
Palace lost to Barnet and Millonarios in the preseason friendlies, although Roy Hodgson will be pleased with wins over Crawley Town and Watford back in July. In fact, the Palace boss guided his side to a 2-0 win back at Selhurst Park last weekend in preparation for this season.
Sheffield United's poor transfer window was coupled with a terrible run of form in the preseason games. The club kicked things off with a 2-0 win over Chesterfield before drawing 0-0 with Estoril.
Losses to Rotherham United and Girona would come soo after, although the Blades returned to winning ways with a 3-1 victory against Derby County. Back at Bramall Lane, Sheffield United lost 3-0 to Stuttgart to further concern fans moving into the new Premier League season.