Sheffield United make their return to the Premier League on Saturday, as they welcome Crystal Palace to Bramall Lane. The Eagles will be looking to build on a solid second half to last season under returning head coach Roy Hodgson.
Premier League Preview
Sheffield United bounced back to the Premier League at the second time of asking last term, as they finished second in the overall Championship standings. The club will be looking to maintain their top-flight status on their return to the Premier League, but that could be a huge task for Paul Heckingbottom and his side. The Blades have overseen a strange pre-season, which has seen them part ways with four of the five players that ranked highest for chances created.
Iliman Ndiaye ended last term as the top scorer for the Blades, but he departed the club for Marseille in early August. Meanwhile, Sander Berge looks set to leave the club before the deadline, as a move to Burnley is edging closer. United have also failed to strengthen with Premier League quality players, with Benie Traore and Anis Alimane brought in from BK Hacken and Brondby, respectively.
Crystal Palace appeared to be nearing a return to the Premier League at the half way stage last term, but the Eagles turned to Hodgson to save them at the end of March. The former England boss did an excellent job in the final months of the season, as the Eagles eventually ended the campaign in eleventh place.
However, the Eagles come into this season without a number of former stars, including Wilfried Zaha, who signed for Galatasaray on a free transfer. But, the Eagles have added quality across the field, with Jefferson Lerma brought in from Bournemouth, and Matheus Frana signed from Flamengo.
Sheffield United vs Crystal Palace Head to Head
Palace has won each of their last two matches against the Blades, which includes a 2-0 win in this exact fixture in May 2021. They have also won three of the previous five encounters, with Sheffield United’s last win in this fixture coming at Selhurst Park in February 2020.
Sheffield United vs Crystal Palace Prediction
I have been concerned by the lack of activity at Bramall Lane throughout the summer, and they could struggle in this opening match against Palace. Therefore, we will be siding with a comfortable win for the visitors on Saturday.
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