Sheffield United vs Wolverhampton Wanderers Preview: How to Watch on TV, Live Stream, Kick Off Time & Team News

11 September 2020 02:30

Sheffield United kick off the new campaign with a home fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday.

The Blades silenced the doubters last season with an impressive return to the top flight, challenging for European spots before eventually finishing in ninth place.

Nuno Espirito Santo's side, on the other hand, finished seventh for the second successive season, having missed out on a Europa League place on goal difference to Jose Mourinho's Tottenham.

The Midlands club also managed to reach the quarter-finals of the Europa League, before exiting to Sevilla.


Where to Watch on TV

When is Kick Off? Monday 14th September
What Time is Kick Off? 18:00 (BST)
Where is it Being Played? Bramall Lane
TV Channel/Live Stream? Sky Sports Premier League (UK), FuboTV (US)
Referee? Mike Dean


Team News

The hosts could be without Norwegian midfielder Sander Berge, who suffered a knee injury while on international duty.

Aaron Ramsdale will likely make his debut, replacing Manchester United loanee Dean Henderson. New arrivals Ethan Ampadu, Oliver Burke, Jayden Bogle, and Max Lowe are also available for selection.

As for the visitors, Adama Traore could miss out after withdrawing from the Spain squad due to COVID-19, while fellow Spaniard Jonny Castro Otto is sidelined long-term. Long-serving Irish full-back Matt Doherty departed to Spurs in the transfer window, so it could be up to young Dane Oskar Buur to fill the void.

18-year-old Fabio Silva arrived at Molineux last Saturday for a club-record fee. The teenager could be in line to make his first appearance in a Wolves shirt.


Predicted Lineups

Sheffield United: Ramsdale; Baldock, Basham, Egan, O'Connell, Stevens; Fleck, Ampadu, Norwood; McBurnie, McGoldrick.

Wolves: Patricio; Buur, Boly, Coady, Saiss, Marcal; Neves, Moutinho; Podence, Jimenez, Jota.


'Recent' Form

Chris Wilder's side endured a disappointing end to the season in July, losing each of their last three games. However, this was preceded by an impressive four-game run which saw the Blades record emphatic victories over Spurs and Chelsea, as well as a last-gasp winner over Wolves.

Nuno's men had a mixed return to football post-lockdown. They picked up five wins from their final nine Premier League games, but a final day defeat to Chelsea cost them a top six spot.

After knocking out Greek champions Olympiakos, Wolves were eliminated from the Europa League in the quarter-finals to eventual competition winners Sevilla.

Here is how both sides have fared in their last five games.

Sheffield United
Southampton 3-1 Sheffield United (26/7)
Sheffield United 0-1 Everton (20/7)
Leicester City 2-0 Sheffield United (16/7)
Sheffield United 3-0 Chelsea (11/7)
Sheffield United 1-0 Wolves (8/7)

Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolves 0-1 Sevilla (11/8)
Wolves 1-0 Olympiakos (6/8)
Chelsea 2-0 Wolves (26/7)
Wolves 2-0 Crystal Palace (20/7)
Burnley 1-1 Wolves (15/7)


Prediction

Having finished in ninth place last season, Sheffield United no longer have the unknown quantity factor, so it could be a more difficult season for them. Nonetheless, the new signings are encouraging, so don't expect them to be in any relegation danger.

While the visitors have more quality in their ranks, Wilder's well-organised team will be a tough task on the opening day. Expect a close game.

Prediction: Sheffield United 1-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers

Source: 90min