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The greatest immediate fear among Newcastle United fans

By Durim Halimi

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: General view of the Newcastle United club badge during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St. James Park on February 11, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: General view of the Newcastle United club badge during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St. James Park on February 11, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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Newcastle United fans are echoing the same fear on social media ahead of next Tuesday’s game.

Newcastle United managed to avoid a demolition when they faced Liverpool (0-0) and Leicester City (1-2) last week, and the attention is now turning to this weekend’s FA Cup clash against Arsenal and next week’s Premier League encounter with Sheffield United.

When navigating through the endless #NUFC tag on Twitter one will quickly notice that Newcastle United fans are extremely worried about next Tuesday’s game at Bramall Lane. The Blades were the surprise package in the league last season when they earned 54 points and finished the season in ninth place.

This time around, though, Sheffield United have set a record for the worst start in Premier League history with two points from 17 games. Chris Wilder’s men are an absolute mess on both ends of the pitch as they have only managed to score eight goals and have conceded 29.

Newcastle United claimed the double over Sheffield United last season with an aggregate of 5-0, but fans are worried that the Blades will turn the table on the Magpies and turn the corner with their first win of the season. Is this fear valid?

Yes, Sheffield United Can Win…

Of course this fear is valid, especially since Newcastle United tend to lack motivation when playing teams in the bottom six and this was on display in the 3-0 defeat to Brighton and 1-1 draw against 10-man Fulham.

Sheffield United have the pressure of the world on their shoulders to take all three points next week and they see Newcastle United as a vulnerable opponent they can defeat.

On a personal level, what gives me some hope is the new tactic Newcastle United deployed against top sides Liverpool and Leicester City. The Magpies applied constant pressure, which allowed them to recover the ball quickly in dangerous areas and enjoy more possession.

Newcastle United did not create many chances in both games – 16 total – despite seeing more of the ball, but that is also because both of their opponents have notable back lines.

Sheffield United have one of the worst defensive units in the top flight, though, and they will commit unforced errors in the final third if Newcastle United play with the same urgency as in the last two games.

Moreover, Callum Wilson has not scored a goal from the run of play since the 2-0 win over Crystal Palace on November 27th. He has missed some golden opportunities to break into double figures in recent weeks, and he will be motivated to find the back of the net against the worst team in the league.

Overall, Newcastle United need to be wary of Sheffield United next week, and the team should keep that game in mind as well while training in preparation for Saturday’s FA Cup battle with Arsenal.

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The Blades have a decent shot at claiming their first three points of the season, but I do not think they will.

Prediction: Sheffield United 0-2 Newcastle United