Best Odds: 4/6
Bookmaker:
Two sides who find themselves battling it out at opposite ends of the Premier League table, Manchester City will welcome Sheffield United to the Etihad on Saturday afternoon.
Manchester City
Starting with the hosts, marking their Premier League return in midweek with a crucial domestic boost, Manchester City will be desperate to find some stability in the New Year. Eventually mounting an eye-catching comeback away at Everton as they secured a 3-1 victory, Pep Guardiola’s men know that they face a stern challenge in their bid to make more Premier League history this season. However, although the Sky Blues might have been forced to settle for respective stalemates against Crystal Palace and Tottenham in their last two showdowns at the Etihad, Man City have continued to gain a reputation for their extended success in front of their own supporters. In fact, Guardiola’s defending champions have not suffered a single Premier League defeat in the blue half of Manchester throughout the whole of 2023. Crowned FIFA Club World Cup champions last week, the former Barcelona boss will rightfully be smelling a golden opportunity here.
Team News
Once again missing out at Goodison Park earlier in the week and still dealing with a recent foot injury, Manchester City are once again expected to be without attacking record-breaker Erling Haaland. Likewise, limping off against his former club on Wednesday night, John Stones is a real doubt here.
Converting from the spot and notching a fifth Premier League strike of the season, Argentina international John Stones will lead Guardiola’s charge at the Etihad. Ex-Chelsea ace Mateo Kovacic could be handed a full recall here and partner Rodri at the heart of City’s midfield.
Sheffield United
As for the visitors, suffering an infamous collapse at home against fellow relegation scrappers Luton on Boxing Day, Sheffield United are in the midst of a major Premier League nightmare. Eventually slumping to a 3-2 loss at Bramall Lane, returning boss Chris Wilder knows that he has a major job on his hands. Sat rock-bottom of the table and rightfully tipped as a landslide contender to be hit with an immediate championship return in the New Year, the Blades have collected just nine points from their first 19 Premier League appearances this season. With just a pair of top-flight victories to their name, Sheffield United couldn’t have asked for a tougher test here. Potentially showing some signs of a hangover following their woeful Boxing Day collapse, Wilder will also have a huge headache over his side’s extended defensive issues. In fact, Saturday’s guests have shipped 47 strikes so far this season and had the worst defensive tally among England’s elite.
Team News
Both picking up a pair of costly bookings against Luton on Boxing Day, Sheffield United will be without the suspended duo of Anel Ahmedhodzic and Gustavo Hamer. Still dealing with respective injury issues, Wilder still remains unable to call upon the likes of Chris Basham, Daniel Jebbison, Tom Davies and John Egan.
Although former Liverpool starlet Rhian Brewster might have returned from his own injury blow against Luton earlier in the week, the 23-year-old will likely have to settle for another spot on the bench here.
Key Factors to Consider
