Sheffield United will welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Bramall Lane for the last matchday of the Premier League season and their last game in the English top flight, at least for another season. Not much is in stake for either team with Spurs out of the running for a top four spot and the Blades already resigned to their fate of relegation.
Despite this, both teams will be looking to go out on a high. Tottenham come into this game as overwhelming favourites but an impressive season has been somewhat marred by the insipid performances by Ange Postecoglou‘s men in the last few weeks. The Australian gaffer is clearly not pleased with what he is seeing on the pitch.
Sheffield on the other hand have won just 16 points this season, and have already been confirmed for the wooden spoon. Regardless, they can play for pride, something that cannot be underrated. The toughest opponent is always someone who has nothing to lose and Tottenham need to be wary.
Whilst the Blades might be on a six game losing streak, they have scored in all but one of these games. Tottenham must not take them lightly. Many Spurs players might also be playing for their careers this game and will be looking to impress Postecoglou and convince him that they deserve to stay at the club.
DATE & TIME:
May 19, 2024, 4:00pm UK time
TEAM NEWS:
Sheffield have an extended absentee list to contend with but that has been the case for quite some time now. Chris Basham, John Egan, George Baldock, Rhys Norrington-Davies, Tom Davies, Ben Osborn, Max Lowe, Oli McBurnie and Daniel Jebbsion will all be absent against Tottenham Hotspur.
With regards to Spurs though, their injury is list is comparatively shorter. Ben Davies and Destiny Udogie are out along with Timo Werner. The list also included long-term absentees like Manor Solomon, Ryan Sessegnon and Fraser Forster will also miss the game. Yves Bissouma and Richarlison are nursing issues of their own with Giovani Lo Celso also expected to miss out.
PRE-GAME ANALYSIS
Against a team like Tottenham, Sheffield are likely to sit back and soak the pressure which means it won’t be a surprise to see Spurs dominate proceedings. What matters though is the fact that they are able to translate possession into clear cut chances and then, those chances into goals.
Son Heung-min will be looking to come up with a response after that uncharacteristic 1 on 1 miss against Stefan Ortega in the Manchester City game which could have completely altered the narrative surrounding the title race tomorrow. He will want to end a season he started off so very well on a high.
Elsewhere, the likes of James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski will know that this game is a great opportunity to make amends for their middling seasons. To be fair, the former was sublime prior to his injury but has failed to recapture similar performances since his comeback.
Clearly, the entire footballing world is likely to be tuned into the Arsenal or the City games, or the Liverpool game which would see Jurgen Klopp manage them for one last time. Spurs will need to put in a performance that makes head turn around and take notice.
WHO SAID WHAT:
Ange Postecoglou spoke about the misconception of him not having a plan B: “There’s a misconception about me that I’ve got one plan. I’ve probably used every formation and system going over the years, usually many in a game.”
Chris Wilder on the Blades’ ambitions for the final game: “We have to be incredibly competitive. We are up against a team going for something, but we still have a lot to play for. No white flag regardless of league positions. We have a lot play for, either individually or as a team – players playing for futures and other clubs will be watching our players. We have an obligation to the league and also, most importantly, an obligation to our supporters.”
PREDICTED LINEUPS:
Sheffield United (3-5-2): Foderingham; Ahmedhodzic, Robinson, Trusty; Bogle, Souza, Hamer, Arblaster, Brooks; Brereton Diaz, Archer
Tottenham Hotspur: (4-2-3-1):Vicario; Porro, Romero, Dragusin, Van de Ven; Sarr, Hojbjerg; Kulusevski, Maddison, Johnson; Son
PREDICTION:
On paper, this is a fairly straightforward game for Postecoglou’s men. They should win this at a canter. We’d like to go for a 4-1 win for the Lilywhites from this clash – an impressive way to sign off on an impressive season.
