Despite a strong start, Brighton is currently facing a downturn, winning only two of their last nine matches in all competition, at the time of writing. Apart from a 6-1 loss to Aston Villa, Roberto De Zerbi’s team has been competitive, raising expectations for a turnaround.
Meanwhile, Sheffield United managed to claim their first three points of the season last weekend after dispatching a penalty in the final seconds of the game against Wolves. That moved their tally onto four points, two points from safety.
Team news
For the Seagulls, Jakub Moder and Julio Enciso are still sidelined, and Solly March faces an extended period out due to a knee injury. Brighton is optimistic about the return of Danny Welbeck, Pervis Estupinan, and Tariq Lamptey for the upcoming game.
The Blades still have a few players on the long-term injury list. However, they could be boosted by the return of Oli McBurnie and Anel Ahmedhodzic. Daniel Jebbison and Tom Davies are also edging closer to returning to the matchday squad.
Difference makers
The hosts will be eager to get Evan Ferguson in the game early on, their top scorer (5) in the Premier League [all stats taken from SofaScore]. At just 19 years of age Ferguson looks like the real deal. He has strength, pace, technique and most impressively the awareness of an experienced striker.
De Zerbi’s side have created the same amount of big chances as Manchester City (34). If Brighton can carve out an opening for the Irishman, he’s bound to take it.
Offensively there isn’t an issue with this team, but defensively they need to reorganise and try to stop leaking goals.
Against Wolves, James McAtee came on just before halftime to replace the injured Rhian Brewster. The Man City loanee changed the game in the second half. United carried an attacking threat through McAtee after changing the shape to suit him (3-4-3).
The attacking midfielder registered two key passes to go with his assist. Defensively he was also sound, winning six of his ten duels and recording three successful tackles.
McAtee needs to be starting on Sunday after the way he impacted the match against Wolves, and with how expansive Brighton are, that will provide lanes for the Blades ball carriers to progress into.
Key stats
Brighton’s Premier League matches have seen both teams score in all 10 encounters this season [all stats taken from SofaScore].
Despite being the lowest scorers, Sheffield United has managed to score in six out of their 10 Premier League games.
In terms of goals, only Aston Villa and Newcastle have scored more than Brighton’s 23 goals this season (26 each). However, Brighton has conceded 19 goals, with only the bottom four teams allowing more, while Sheffield United holds the worst defensive record with 29 goals conceded.
Conclusion
Roberto De Zerbi’s men need to start picking up their form before they fall too far back from their Champions League aspirations. Sheffield United could look like a new team if they carry confidence into this game after picking up their first win of the campaign.
Brighton & Hove Albion is favoured to win the game with a probability of 72.7%, while a draw has a likelihood of 16.3%. Sheffield United faces an 11.05% probability of winning [SportsMole]
