Sheffield United face Everton at Bramall Lane on Saturday in what could be a key clash in the Premier League relegation battle. The Blades have lost three from three so far in the league, an identical record to the Toffees, although Sean Dyche’s side did beat Doncaster in the Carabao Cup in midweek.
Team news
Everton’s new signing Beto made a goalscoring start to life in blue as he came off the bench to score against Doncaster Rovers. Given the limited options up front, Dyche could throw him in for his first start at Bramall Lane. Jack Harrison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin remain out, while Dwight McNeil is edging closer to a return.
John Fleck and Max Lowe remain out for Sheffield United, while new signing Cameron Archer made his debut at home to Lincoln, although was unable to make an impact as the Blades lost on penalties.
Sheffield United to win
In the battle between two winless sides, we have to go on what we have seen so far. It’s unlikely to be a thrilling encounter, but Sheffield United showed enough on home soil against Manchester City to prove to me they have a shot of staying up this season.
When you take into account home advantage, and the new signings coming through the door including Cameron Archer, they look like a decent outfit. The likes of Gustavo Hamer, Vini Souza and Archer have all improved their starting XI and now they will look to put Everton to the sword.
The Toffees came from behind to beat League Two’s bottom club Doncaster Rovers in midweek, but it was not a good display. The one positive came from new boy Beto, who will certainly improve their attack, but it might not be enough against a United side who are looking more organised at this present moment. Home win.
Gustavo Hamer to score first
This is likely to be a close encounter, so picking an anytime goalscorer feels like a slight waste. Instead, picking a first goalscorer gives you much better value for a similar market. If there’s only going to be one goal, you might as well take the first goalscorer pick.
And our pick doesn’t come from one of the strikers. Given we think Sheffield United will win, it makes sense to back one of their players. However, Benie Traore and William Osula are yet to find the net in the Premier League, and Archer is not guaranteed a start given his midweek impact.
Instead they will look to midfield, and the most obvious threat comes from Gustavo Hamer. The box-to-box midfielder scored on his Premier League debut against Nottingham Forest, and was a threat against Manchester City, even though his side didn’t see much of the ball.
Expect Paul Heckingbottom’s side to be far more dominant this weekend, and expect Hamer to get at least one decent shot on target. 11/1 for him to score first is too good to turn down.
