Date: 13/04/24
Kick-off time: 15:00
Venue: Gtech Community Stadium
With seven games to go, Sheffield United are still rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table, a position they have occupied for the majority of the campaign. It has been a terrible campaign for the Blades, who are almost certainly facing immediate relegation back to the Championship. They currently have 16 points, and are nine points adrift from safety, despite their recent draw against Chelsea. Whilst not mathematically confirmed yet, they will have to win most of their remaining games, which would be more than the three wins they have recorded all season.
The Bees, in contrast, have to see this game as a must win. They are 16th, but just four points above Luton Town, who are 18th. This fixture against Sheffield United is their easiest left, and three points would give them some much needed breathing room. Any dropped points would make their position even more precarious, as both Luton and Nottingham Forest would be given the opportunity to significantly cut the small gap between them.
Chris Wilderβs side have by far the worst defence in the league and have scored the least goals. They have conceded 20 goals in their last six games, and Brentford will be confident in adding to the visitorsβ woes. Thomas Franksβ side have been shut out just once in their last seven, and Bryan Mbeumoβs return has given them a timely boost. There is also the threat of Ivan Toney to contend with as well, as he has scored four goals in 13 appearances.
Since 2017, these two sides have met five times, four of which came in the Championship. Sheffield United have been the dominant side, winning four of these with the other ending in a draw. Brentford will be hoping to stop this winless streak which was extended in the reverse fixture earlier this season. The Blades won 1-0 in one of their three victories this season. James McAtee scored the winner on the stroke of half-time for the hosts.