When Burnley returned from lockdown with a 5-0 drubbing at the hands of Manchester City, Sean Dyche must have thought his players were still on holiday mode. However, since then, they’ve managed wins over both Watford and Crystal Palace, keeping clean sheets in the process.
For Sheffield United, their return to action couldn’t have started any worse as they racked up a streak of four games without a win. That was until they turned it around against Spurs on Thursday night and that comprehensive win is sure to give the Blades plenty of belief that they can get something in this game.
Remember, they’re still very much in the hunt for a place in Europe next season, whether it be Champions League or Europa League. When Sheffield United beat Burnley 3-0 back in November, that was the first ever Premier League meeting between the sides as their previous head-to-head had come eight years earlier in the Championship.
So, with very little to go by on previous match-ups, what’s going to be the key in predicting the outcome of this match? The difference might just be Burney’s inconsistent home form compared to previous seasons.
At Turf Moor, the Clarets have traditionally been tough to beat but this season that hasn’t been the case. Yes, they’re currently sitting in 10th spot in the table but home losses to Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Norwich means that they’re vulnerable at home these days. In their last ten home games, they’ve only found the net more than once on two occasions.
Sheffield United to win
That Spurs victory for the Blades is sure to have re-motivated the squad and, prior to the resumption, their only two defeats away from home in all competitions came at Anfield and the Etihad Stadium.
To put it into context, only Liverpool and Wolves have lost fewer games on the road this season than the Blades. On that basis, Sheffield United look excellent value to claim the three points here.
Under 1.5 goals in the game
Despite putting three goals past Spurs on Thursday, and the fact that they’re sitting in 7th spot in the table, Sheffield United haven’t been known as prolific goalscorers. In just five of their 16 matches in 2020 have they scored two or more goals.
That says that it’s been their dogmatic defence which have been the main reason for their success. Burnley are likely to struggle to break them down and, with the fact that they’ve failed to score more than one goal in ten of their last 12 home games, this has the look of a low scoring affair.
Under 2.5 goals is probably the safe bet but let’s take a chance on under 1.5 goals, which looks much better value.
Lys Mousset to score
On Thursday, Lys Mousset ended a 15 games barren spell when he scored shortly after coming onto the pitch. That was his sixth goal of the season and it’s worth noting that three of those goals have come on the road.
He hasn’t started in the last two matches but you’d have to think his return to form will earn him a recall. In this low scoring encounter, he might be one of the very few, if not the only player, to get on the scoresheet.
Best bets for Burnley v Sheffield United on Sunday at 12.00
Sheffield United To Win
Under 1.5 Goals
Lys Mousset To Score
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