Bournemouth fans view ahead of huge Sheffield United match

The Blades head into this clash in good form picking up four points from their last two games and they’ll be aiming to keep that run going over these next couple as well.

They also face a selection boost with Oli McBurnie and Anel Ahmedhodzic fit for a starting role.

The Cherries picked up a 2-0 victory against a depleted Newcastle side before the international break, but they are facing injury worries for this weekend, particularly in midfield.

But are they a confident bunch heading north on Saturday?

Opposition fans

Roy’s view:

“Sheffield Utd is massive IMHO, as our second game against a promoted club. Winning it puts us back on par course for survival and negates all the doom and gloom we’ve had so far. A defeat would be a significant set back and pile back on the pressure.”

“Watched a bit of the Brighton v. Sheffield match, and I hope it serves as a warning/reminder to our boys. As bad as they have been, they may have turned a corner of their own. They are still a Premier League side, and a moment or two of inattention there could cost us points that we desperately need.”

“Away from home and Sheff Utd will see this as a good game to snatch something after a draw against Brighton.”

“So, this one, coming after a good upturn in form, represents a bit of a banana skin, in my view. I feel I always tend to say the same thing these days, but it’s my honest feeling. I would take a draw and a good performance. Just feel the performances are still more important at the moment. We must maintain momentum and not drop back. Think we could (and probably should) win it, but these away days at struggling teams are our nemeses. Must not lose !!”

Key stats

Sheffield United boasts a strong home record against Bournemouth, losing only one of their nine home league games against them. The only defeat occurred in August 1987 with a 1-0 scoreline. In their sole previous Premier League home game against Bournemouth, Sheffield United secured a 2-1 victory.

Bournemouth have struggled in away Premier League games this season, failing to secure a win (D1 L4) and conceding the most goals on the road, tallying up to 17.

This marks the highest number of goals conceded by any team in their first five away Premier League games this season. Interestingly, Bournemouth also holds a record from the 2022/23 season with 18 goals conceded in their first five away games.

My opinion

I always find it quite weird when teams struggle on their travels. I can only imagine it starts out as no big deal but the more time passes the more the team creates pressure on themselves heading into every away match. That must be the case here because last season’s shocking away record has been carried into this one.

Which is why Sheffield United have to get a win on Saturday. It looks like we’ve finally found something that works in the 3-4-3 shape. The belief amongst the squad must be through the roof right now, and probably helped with the news of Everton getting a ten-point deduction.

I’d like to think the Blades can control the tempo of this game and create a number of clear cut chances, and take them. I wouldn’t be surprised if we also registered our first clean sheet of the campaign.