Sheffield United vs Manchester City

Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City head to Bramall Lane to encounter newcomers Sheffield United in a typical ‘David vs. Goliath’ clash.

After two years in the Championship, Sheffield United are back in the Premier League. Yet after back-to-back defeats at the start of their comeback campaign, they look destined for another season-long fight against the drop. Paul Heckingbottom’s side slumped to a 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace in their opening home game, but they were lucky to concede once, considering they allowed 24 shots on goal. United’s poor first-half performances have seen them draw a blank before halftime in both Premier League outings this term. That hardly bodes well for their bid to end a dreadful five-game scoring drought against Man City in all competitions (L5). But the ‘Blades’ have lost their last three top-flight home H2Hs by an identical 1-0 scoreline, suggesting they could put up a fight even if they fail to get points on the board.

On the other hand, Manchester City’s title defense has been off to a perfect start. After Erling Haaland’s brace inspired them to a 3-0 win at United’s fellow newly-promoted rivals Burnley on day one, Julian Alvarez fired them to a hard-earned 1-0 home triumph over Newcastle United last week. However, the ‘Citizens’ will take this trip without all-conquering manager Pep Guardiola, who is recovering from a routine back surgery. Guardiola’s absence from the touchline could throw a spanner in the works as the visitors look to overcome an indifferent three-game away league form (W1, D1, L1). Caretaker boss Juanma Lillo will hope marquee summer signing Jeremy Doku can impress on his debut and replace Riyad Mahrez, whose hat-trick gave Man City a 3-0 win over United in last season’s FA Cup semi-finals.