Newcastle vs Sheffield United: Betting Odds & Prediction
(Featured image: Alamy Images)
Newcastle United continue their pursuit of a European qualification spot this weekend as they host a Sheffield United side who look destined for the drop.
The Magpies secured a resounding 8-0 victory at Bramall Lane in the reverse fixture earlier this season. Kick-off is set for 3pm UK time on Saturday.
Recent Form
Newcastle United
Newcastle United’s recent charge was halted in midweek as they fell to a 2-0 defeat by Crystal Palace on a frustrating night at Selhurst Park. Eddie Howe will be grateful for another game so quickly, as they look to revive their European aspirations.
Newcastle have relished their home comforts in recent months, currently enjoying a six game unbeaten run at St James’ Park. Their rampant 4-0 victory over Tottenham last time out sent out a sweeping message to their closest challengers for European spots. In fact, the Magpies have suffered only three home league defeats all season, whilst amassing eleven Premier League wins at home.
The Geordie faithful have been royally entertained this season, having seen their team net 69 goals to this point, 43 of which have been scored at home. Eddie Howe’s team have also scored four or more goals on six separate occasions this campaign at home, plus the infamous eight goal massacre at Bramall Lane. As a result, they have significantly outscored their expected goals (xG) figure of 1.53, by netting an average of 2.09 per match.
Alexander Isak finds himself firmly in the Golden Boot race, currently boasting 17 league goals to his name. He has scored six in his last four appearances at St James’ Park, so will be hoping to add to his impressive haul this weekend.
Defensively, Newcastle have been anything but secure, ultimately causing them to be one of the Premier League’s entertainers this season. They have conceded 54 league goals, of which 38% have been in home matches. Matches involving Newcastle this season, have seen an average of 3.73 goals scored.
Sheffield United
Sheffield United’s seemingly inevitable relegation back to the Championship could be confirmed this weekend should they lose on Tyneside. Despite showing some fight in their 4-2 defeat at Old Trafford in midweek, that latest loss has pushed them to the brink. Just a solitary win in 2024 has seen the Blades marooned at the bottom, with last weekend's 4-1 home defeat to Burnley compounding a miserable campaign.
United have mustered just three wins and seven draws all season, with their struggles built upon a dismal defensive record that Chris Wilder has been unable to arrest since his second spell at the club began in December. They have already shipped 92 goals, and could be on course for the worst defensive season in Premier League history. Slight encouragement for Blades fans is that they have been slightly less porous at the back in their away matches.
They have scored 33 goals in the league at an average of 0.97 per match, of which 45% have come on their travels but have drawn a blank seven times on the road.
Matches involving United have seen an average of 3.61 goals scored and 59% of their games see both teams score. This, alongside Newcastle’s similar record of scoring and conceding, offers real scope for goals when the sides meet this weekend.
Prediction
Newcastle have no shortage of motivation in the remaining weeks of the season, but their recent rampant form at home, could see them eyeing up the Premier League biggest aggregate score in a single season record. Currently it is 12-0, held by Manchester City versus Watford from 2019/20.
Sheffield United know that only a win can keep their slim survival hopes alive, so this is likely to make for a spectacularly open contest. Newcastle’s in-form front line will be licking their lips at the prospect, while the visitors' bruised defence may need to prepare for another tough afternoon.