Newcastle United aim to avoid embarrassment vs. Sheffield United

Newcastle United will try not to be the first club to lose to Sheffield United in the Premier League this season.

After an exit from the FA Cup over the weekend, Newcastle United return to Premier League play with a matchup with Sheffield United, who reside at the bottom of the table. The Blades, who surprisingly finished 9th last season despite two losses vs. Newcastle, have not won a match this campaign and only have two draws from 17 EPL matches.

Player to Watch

Newcastle United: Callum Wilson

The club’s leading goalscorer is always a key player, but his presence will be especially appreciated after watching Andy Carroll miss two big chances vs. Arsenal over the weekend. Against Sheffield United, Wilson will look to break out of his slump from the run of play and make things difficult for the Blades’ backline.

Sheffield United: Rhian Brewster

Last year, Brewster was a big-money signing for Sheffield United from Liverpool. But, the 20-year-old has zero goals in 13 appearances this season. With the club struggling mightily for goals, Brewster will try to open his account with the Blades at home vs. Newcastle.

NUFC Availability Update

Ahead of the match, Steve Bruce mentioned that Fabian Schar, Karl Darlow, and Federico Fernandez should be back to provide some freshness after not playing vs. Arsenal. He did not specifically address the status of Ryan Fraser, Jonjo Shelvey, or Callum Wilson, who all were missing in the FA Cup match, too.

Newcastle United will win if…

They don’t look past an inferior opponent. Sheffield United are a historically bad club with only two points from 17 matches this season. Newcastle must avoid playing down to Sheffield’s level and establish themselves as the better club right from the opening whistle.