Scott Thornton gives us a complete guide to Sheffield United FC, including fixtures, players, odds and predictions for the 2023/24 Premier League season.
In a series of guides focusing on the teams promoted from the Championship to the Premier League ahead of the 2023/24 season, Scott Thornton looks at the fixtures, players and betting odds for Sheffield United before arriving at his prediction for Paul Heckingbottom’s side.
Sheffield United Fixtures
Sheffield United host Crystal Palace in their first game of the season. Their fans will be willing the team on to make a positive start and get some points on the board early on. The Blades picked up 51 points in their 23 home games in the league last season; only Burnley won more. They will be hoping their great home form can continue this season against better opposition.
Heckingbottom’s side then take on Manchester City, Newcastle and Tottenham in their next five matches. All three will provide a good barometer on just how far behind they are to the best sides in the country.
They face Tottenham on the final day of the season but they will want to have safety wrapped up by then. Their two matches before that fixture are against Everton and Nottingham Forest. Both of those sides were involved in the relegation battle last season so it could be a great opportunity for Sheffield United to pick up some vital points.
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Sheffield United Players
Sheffield United Squad: Who’s in and out this summer?
Sheffield United finished 11 points clear of Luton last season to secure 2nd place in the Championship. They have a solid group of players but they will no doubt want to strengthen their squad significantly before the Premier League gets underway in August. At the time of writing, the club appear close to signing Anis Slimane from Brondby. There is confidence that the scouting department.
They have let O’Connell and Sharp go after their contracts expired. Enda Stevens has also left for Stoke City. All of whom played for the club during their last season in the top flight. They will need to invest in their squad in order to avoid a repeat of that season. James McAtee has also returned to Manchester City after a loan spell.
Who are the key Sheffield United players ahead of the 2023/24 season?
Sheffield United held firm late in the season to withstand pressure for Middlesbrough; who threatened to break into the top two in stages. The team showed great character and is a testament to the great work that Paul Heckingbottom has done at the club.
He has persisted with the back three that was utilised under Chris Wilder and he has replicated the togetherness that existed in the squad in their last promotion campaign. There are also some stand-out performers for The Blades.
Iliman Ndiaye was voted the club’s Player of the Season and with good reason. He featured predominantly as a striker but also dropped into midfielder in certain matches. Ndiaye scored 14 league goals and grabbed 10 assists as his side amassed a total of 91 points.
He was also incredibly proactive when out of possession. He ranked in the 99th percentile amongst forwards for tackles and blocks in Fbref’s Men’s Next Eight Competitions category. That work ethic will serve his team well in the Premier League.
Oliver Norwood was also integral in the team’s promotion. He was the creative hub for The Blades from the centre of midfield. He ranked in the 94th percentile for progressive passes amongst midfielders in his category. His ability to fashion opportunities for his teammates will be key in the Premier League. As you’d expect in this Sheffield United team, he also made a stellar contribution when the team were out of possession.
Sheffield United Predicted Lineup: Who will make Heckingbottom’s favoured XI?
Sheffield United have lost a couple of players who featured heavily last season. There have also been no signings since the window opened so this 11 will change prior to the Premier League’s big kick-off.
Wes Foderingham, Jack Robinson, Anel Ahmedhodzic, John Egan, George Baldock, Sander Berge, Oliver Norwood, John Fleck, Max Lowe, Oliver McBurnie, Iliman Ndiaye
Sheffield United Odds | 2023/24 Premier League Season
| Sheffield United Odds | Best Odds | Worst Odds |
|---|---|---|
| To Be Relegated | 5/6 | 8/13 |
| To Stay Up | 6/5 | 5/6 |
| To Win the Title | 2500/1 | 999/1 |
Sheffield United Relegation Odds
Sheffield United are amongst the favourites to go down at 5/6. In fact, only Luton are a shorter price. However, they will take confidence from their performances the last time they were promoted to the Premier League. They finished 9th that season and were even in contention for European football for large periods. BetVictor are currently offering the best price on Sheffield United to be relegated.
Sheffield United Top Scorer Odds
Oliver McBurnie has been a Sheffield United player since 2019 but the last campaign was his most prolific in front of goal. He found the net 13 times but he has failed to replicate the goalscoring form of his last season in Swansea.
McBurnie contributes to the team in many ways and is a handful for opposition defenders. He ranked in the 96th percentile for aerial duels won and his ability to hold onto the ball in the opposition penalty area makes him an asset for The Blades.
He is currently Sheffield United’s shortest-priced player to top score the Premier League. It’s almost inconceivable that a striker from a newly-promoted side would achieve this feat in this day and age. It hasn’t been done since Kevin Phillips netted 30 times in the 1999/00 season.
When the bookmakers release the team-specific markets, it may be best to steer clear of McBurnie. He hasn’t excelled as an out-and-out scorer in recent years so it’s worth waiting to see who The Blades bring in.
Sheffield United Title Odds
The Blades would snap your hand off if you offered them a 9th place finish again. However, if you are a Blade dreaming of winning it all then Bet365, SkyBet and William Hill are offering odds of 2500/1.
