SHEFFIELD UNITED VS SOUTHAMPTON MATCH PREVIEW | Predictions, Team News, Lineup

Sheffield United host Southampton on Saturday looking to continue their impressive start to life in the Premier League.

Chris Wilder’s men were woefully underestimated heading into the new campaign but have kicked it off with five points from four games so far, including an impressive 2-2 draw away to Chelsea last time out.

There are serious concerns around the fitness of David McGoldrick after he was forced to pull out of the Republic of Ireland’s squad for their friendly with Bulgaria on Tuesday, so the goalscoring mantle for Sheffield United is likely to pass onto club record-signing Oliver McBurnie.

The Scotland international is already off the mark this season but has been dropped in it by Sheffield United’s media team after a video emerged of him criticising his national team setup with teammate John Fleck. In turn, he’s faced the wrath of Scotland fans and come under real scrutiny.

McBurnie scored 22 Championship goals for Swansea last season and obviously has an eye for goal, but he’ll be well and truly placed under the microscope this weekend after a tough few days.

Southampton are just a point behind the Blades but also drew against one of the Premier League’s supposed “Big Six” in their last game, holding Manchester United 1-1 at home.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s steady improvement of the Saints squad is there for all to see but they’ll need to be on their guard at Bramall Lane on Saturday.

Controlling possession and stifling Sheffield United’s movement will be key if Hasenhuttl’s side are to silence Bramall Lane and leave with a result on Saturday. If that is to happen, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg simply must perform.

The former Bayern Munich man is by far Southampton’s most accomplished footballer, with his blend of expert passing, relentless energy and tough tackling making him one of the most well-rounded midfielders outside the top six.

Just as it did last season, most of Southampton’s good play has gone through him this term and he’ll need to be the one dominating the ball and dictating the game again this weekend.

My name is Ingood Nick and I am a YouTuber that talks mostly about Sheffield United and totally about football.

This season we will be playing our football in the Premier League and attempting Premier League survival.

I upload Previews, Match Reaction, Analysis and whatever other Blades content enters my brain.

I try to keep to a weekly schedule which is:

Match Preview: The day before the match usually Friday at 6pm
Match Reactions: Straight after the match usually Saturdays