Sheffield United v Burnley Match Preview

[outwoodclaret]

At last the season comes to an end. All’s well that ends well some would argue as another season of Premier League football has been secured. Yet even with victory in their final game at Bramall Lane Burnley could well finish the season in a lowly 17th place. This would be their worst Premier League finish since returning to the top flight in 2016-17.

For both Sheffield United and Burnley the season started badly. After 7 games the Blades had gained just a single point while the Clarets had amassed a paltry two. While Burnley were to recover from their dreadful start there was no such reprieve for Sheffield United who will finish the season bottom of the League whatever the result of Sunday’s game. In a disastrous season they have to date lost 29 of their 37 league fixtures, scoring a mere 19 goals in the process, and parted company with inspirational manager Chris Wilder. A return to the Championship now follows and they will hope to emulate Norwich and Watford by making an immediate return to the Premier League. For Burnley two years of failing to make any significant improvements to an ageing squad made us prime candidates to finish in the bottom three this season but against all the odds Sean Dyche worked the oracle.

When the sides met at Turf Moor in December a Ben Mee header from a Robbie Brady corner was enough to give the Clarets a 1-0 victory. Burnley come into this reverse fixture however on the back of two heavy home defeats by Leeds United and then Liverpool. Sheffield United will want to bow out in front of their home fans with a spirited performance. They are likely to be without both their Oli’s Burke and McBurnie as well as club legend Billy Sharp. Burnley could welcome back Nick Pope in goal and,if so, Clarets fans will be pondering whether they will be seeing the swansong Burnley appearances for Pope and Tarkowski before predicted summer moves.

Referee for this match is Kevin Friend with Lee Mason on VAR.

Soon we will turn our attention to next season and a thousand questions. Who will we sell and which players will we buy? Will Sean Dyche get the backing he needs in the transfer market or will he be off for pastures new? All we need to say for now is COYC!

[sinkov]

Thanks Outwood, I'm sure your Preview will be far more interesting than the game itself, it's all downhill from here. It's a shame they can't just agree on a 0-0 draw and all go on their jollies, now we have to have another weekend ruined.

[sinkov]

Thanks Outwood, I'm sure your Preview will be far more interesting than the game itself, it's all downhill from here. It's a shame they can't just agree on a 0-0 draw and all go on their jollies, now we have to have another weekend ruined.

Not my worst prediction by any means was it.

[Supersub6]

THanks Outwood for the reviews throughout the season, a job well done!
Tomorrow is an absolute nothing game for both teams. We really have nothing to play for and the Blades, in front of their own supporters, will have a desire to end their PL season with a win just to keep them onside, however, even if they win they still are relegated. I hope that the officials do well. lol

[kritichris]

I'm just glad our prem survival doesn't depend on this because we seem to be in meltdown. We could have finished mid table but so many games thrown away we are where we are and there but for the grace of Dyche we would be down.

[outwoodclaret]

I'm just glad our prem survival doesn't depend on this because we seem to be in meltdown. We could have finished mid table but so many games thrown away we are where we are and there but for the grace of Dyche we would be down.

In total agreement with you Kriti. Dyche has performed little short of a miracle this season in keeping us up. We really should be Championship and soon will be if extensive surgery is not performed during the summer recess.

[sinkov]

According to the Telegraph this morning, depending on this result and others, we could finish 15th or we could finish 17th, the difference between 15th and 17th in prize money is £6.8 million. The result makes no difference to the prize money Sheffield United will get, so we have a lot more to play for than them. Not that I think that will make a blind bit of difference.

[barrie_burn]

I certainly think we will want to win this one and finish on a positive note.We will want to get to the 40 point mark and,as you say,it is about money, so come on boys.

[Balanbam00]

Todays game, it's a doddle, a pushover!

[Supersub6]

Todays game, it's a doddle, a pushover!

Balan --today's game will be, however, we don't kick off until 4 pm tomorrow