(Football news) This matchup was predicted to be crucial not too long ago in the struggle to stay up in the top division, but now that the Blades have secured their place in the Championship and the Toffees are guaranteed to stay in the top level for another season, it is official what will happen to both clubs.
Even though there is uncertainty surrounding the club’s ownership status off the field, Everton hasn’t had much to be upset about on the field recently, as they have amassed 14 points from their last seven Premier League games; the only teams with more points during this time are title contenders Manchester City and Arsenal (both 15).
The Toffees’ three-game winning run was brought to an end a week last Friday, though, as they were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw at Luton Town, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s opener from the penalty spot cancelled out by Elijah Adebayo.
With 37 points on the board, Everton have picked up one point more than they managed last season (36) with two games still to play, and they are on course to finish in 15th place as they sit six points adrift of Crystal Palace in 14th spot.
Everton will welcome a return to Goodison Park where they have won each of their last four home matches without reply, including a memorable Merseyside derby triumph over Liverpool, and have lost just twice in 10 games since the turn of the year.
Everton have lost their final home league fixture in just one of the last eight campaigns, but their home record against Saturday’s opponents Sheffield United leaves little to be desired, as they have lost five of their last seven meetings with the Blades in front of their own fans.
A week after their relegation was confirmed following a heavy 5-1 defeat at Newcastle United, Sheffield United were beaten 3-1 at home to Nottingham Forest in their most recent outings – their 26th Premier League defeat of the season.
The Blades were in front courtesy of an early penalty from Ben Brereton Diaz, but Chris Wilder was once again made to rue a number of missed chances from his team as a clinical Forest outfit fired themselves to victory, with Callum Hudson-Odoi scoring either side of a strike from Ryan Yates.
Sheffield United have now conceded a total of 100 Premier League goals, the joint-most in a single season in the division’s history along with Swindon Town, who shipped a century of goals during a 42-game campaign in 1993-94.
Sheffield United will become the latest side to conclude a top-flight season with fewer than 20 points if they are unable to secure at least four points from their final two matches against Tottenham Hotspur and Everton. The last team to do so was Huddersfield Town (16) in 2018-11.
In the past four Premier League seasons, Sheffield United has lost their last away game. However, they did manage to win their final away game, a 2-0 victory at Goodison Park, against Everton in 1992–1993. There is cause for optimism for Wilder and company on Saturday since they also triumphed 1-0 on their most recent visit to the blue side of Merseyside in May 2021.
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