Sheffield United vs Southampton: Prem League – Preview and Predictions

The international break is over and Southampton are back in action as they travel to newly promoted Sheffield United and look to secure all 3 points.

The Premier League newcomers have had a rather respectable start to their season collecting five points over the first four matches with a win over Crystal Palace and a thrilling 2-2 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Southampton, are looking to build off of their last two performances in the League, that saw them win at Brighton and draw Man United at home.

Should be an exciting match where both sides will believe they have a shot at collecting all three points. So let us see how they can each accomplish that.

How Sheffield United Will Win

The Blades, thus far, have deployed a 3 in the back tactic and look to establish a low-block and hit on the counter. And as we all know, Southampton have struggled to break down defensive teams when they cede the majority of the position.

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This will work in the home teams favor as they look to strike fast and get off as many shots as they can with their limited possession. The prime example of this, is their win over Crystal Palace. The home side had the minority of the possession but the majority of shots.

They managed to get off 15 shots compared to the visitors 6 and walked away with all the points. They will likely deploy the same game plan against the Saints on Saturday and if they can take advantage of any mistakes made by the visitors they have to take advantage of them or else they will draw or lose the match.

The Blades, would be more than happy with another 1-0 victory and 3 more points.

How Southampton Will Win

In order for the Saints to win this match they are going to have to be more clinical when it comes to finishing their chances because they should have plenty of them on Saturday.

They have struggled against defensive minded sides so the Strikers link-up play will be paramount if Ralph sticks with the 4-2-2-2 formation. They will need to work off of each other and when they have an open look on goal they need to take it and be lethal.

If they do wind-up with the majority of the possession they will have not as many chances to deploy their press and make their opponent pay for their mistakes.

Players like Boufal and Djenepo (if he is fit) will also be important because of their skill on the ball. They will undoubtedly create one or two big chances by making a few defenders miss, it is just a question of if, Southampton can capitalize on these moments. If they do, I can see a comfortable victory for the Saints and another 3 points.

Predicted Line-ups

Sheffield United: 3-5-2

Goalkeeper: Dean Henderson

Defender: Jack O’Connell, John Egan, Chris Basham

Midfielders: Enda Stevens, Luke Freeman, Oliver Norwood, John Lundstram, George Baldock

Strikers: Oliver McBurnie, Callum Robinson

Southampton: 4-2-2-2

Goalkeeper: Angus Gunn

Defenders: Yan Valery, Jan Bednarek, Jannik Vestergaard, Ryan Bertrand

Holding Midfielders: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Oriol Romeu

Attacking Midfielders: James Ward-Prowse, Sofiane Boufal

Strikers: Danny Ings, Che Adams

Predicted Score

Sheffield United 1-2 Southampton