Although Sheffield United have recorded only a single point in four Premier League games, they remain in 17th place and there are plenty of positive signs, but also a few negatives.
The Blades can feel disappointed having thrown away a point against Nottingham Forest and Manchester City in the final few minutes, having fought valiantly in both fixtures.
Before the international break, fans got to see Paul Heckingbottom’s side take shape, it was a really positive performance, and if it wasn’t for Jordan Pickford’s saves the Blades would’ve won the game. However, the defensive issues still remained in that game and were punished once more.
Up next, they visit Tottenham Hotspur, and with the form they are in, they will certainly punish any sort of mistake.
Former Sheffield United forward Carl Asaba spoke on the Blades Heaven podcast about the upcoming fixture:
“These are really tough matches, but this is what it’s about. I’m so excited because I believe in the players.”
The fixtures don’t come any easier after this either as they host Newcastle United before travelling back down to London to face West Ham United and Fulham back-to-back.
Nevertheless, United will back their chances to pick up a couple of results and especially now with the team Heckingbottom has assembled. They have players that are capable of scoring and creating chances out of very little.
Asaba added:
“You need a bit of magic to score. We’ve seen it from Hamer and we’ve seen it from Cameron Archer.
“We’ve got McAtee back, we’ve got Anel at the back, we’ve got Premier League Wes making incredible saves.”
Gustavo Hamer has already played a key part in three of United’s four goals in the Premier League, having scored on his debut against Nottingham Forest, and penetrating the Everton defence in both of the goals in the 2-2 draw.
Even besides the goal, Archer showed plenty of promise in his start against Everton as he linked up well with his new strike partner Oli McBurnie.
On Saturday, James McAtee will be involved as a Sheffield United player once again after making the loan switch on transfer deadline day after snubbing the likes of Ajax, Feyenoord and Leicester City.
McAtee ended last season’s Championship campaign with nine goals and three assists, and that was even after a slow start. This time around the Salford Silva will be more than ready to make an instant impact for Sheffield United.
The Blades are obviously up against it due to the difference in quality against sides like Manchester City and Spurs. The old saying: “hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard,” could ring true on Saturday.
All the fans ask for is that the players give 100%, and Carl Asaba insists that has been the case so far:
“Players are playing their hearts out, and the fans have responded. The atmosphere’s been brilliant every match because they know everyone is giving their all. What more can you ask?”
Sheffield United have injury worries over Anel Ahmedhodzic and George Baldock, but Spurs have their issues themselves.
