Sheffield vs Man City: Match preview, betting tips and predictions

Sheffield vs Man City: Match preview, betting tips and predictions - Sheffield’s date with the Citizens

 

Back in contention! Kevin De Bruyne will be available for selection as City take on Sheffield on Saturday (Photo credit: The Guardian)

Sheffield vs Man City
Bramall Lane
1:30pm

 

Sheffield United would wish to turn back the hands of time having played six times in the premier league this season and only got to record just one point.

 

Sheffield United were the surprise package of last season, picking points here and there and forming a formidable home influence that meant anyone traveling to Bramall Lane will have to do more than just showing up to leave with a point.

But life hasn’t been the same in the new season with Chris Wilder’s side losing five of their opening six, a result that leaves them second from bottom but they can be glad that surrounding teams are also stuttering and a few run of wins will lift them out of the drop zone.

Manchester City still can’t find their groove, although they have a maximum six points from two games in the UEFA champions league.

They’re unable to translate that to league success having dropped points on three separate occasions but they have a game at hand.

City’s latest dropped points came against West Ham last weekend when they just couldn’t get past Lukas Fabianski more than once and they couldn’t shut out David Moyes’ side in a game that ended 1-1.

Pep Guardiola would look at the table and quickly look away, it’s embarrassing to say the least but they do have the opportunity to make things right against a team that is also struggling. 

The form of Sergio Aguero leaves much to be desired in all of these but this fixture can be a springboard.

Kevin De Bruyne returned to the starting line up in midweek for the trip to Marseille and as usual, in his imperial best weighed in two assists on their way to a 3-0 success.

And that in one way is a huge boost for the Citizens as they look entirely different when De Bruyne is in the mood.

How will they line up? City will still have to manage things at the back, Ruben Dias is the only fit center back at the moment so Eric Garcia might join him.

Kevin De Bruyne is expected to return in midfield and Mahrez remains the x-factor in the attack until Aguero returns to full form.

Chris Wilder will still put his faith in Ryan Brewster, the youngster is yet to spark to life after his permanent move from the champions but he will get another chance to impress.

Defensively, the Blades will have to be compact, they won’t see more of the ball and they must be patient.

But on the account of recent evidence, any team that takes the game to City always end up ruffling their weakened feathers… Over to you Sheffield.

Betting predictions: City to win