Sheffield United will be expected to claim three points when they meet Newcastle United at Bramall Lane in the Premier League on Thursday.
Chris Wilder's men find themselves in seventh place after 14 games following a stellar start to life in the top flight, while Newcastle are struggling for consistency under Steve Bruce.
Match preview
© Reuters
Much like Wolverhampton Wanderers last season, the Blades have taken to this division as if they were Premier League regulars.
Under the close watch of Wilder, the Yorkshire side have played with a relentless level of discipline and energy since August, moving as one unit all across the pitch.
That they have only suffered three defeats - all of them at home - so far this term, which is fewer than Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, is a testament to the strong tactical foundation on which this team is built.
Moreover, there is a real sense of maturity and spirit in this team, as seen through how they dominated United for 70 minutes last month and then hit back ferociously after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side scored three goals out of nowhere.
Should Newcastle claim all three points on Saturday, it would arguably be on level footing with their away victory over Spurs in August. That fact alone demonstrates the lofty standards set by Wilder's men after just 14 games in the Premier League.
© Reuters
While their opponents have played with remarkable consistency this term, there remains an acute sense of unpredictability about this Newcastle side.
As seen through last weekend's 2-2 draw with Manchester City, during which the Magpies came back twice from a goal down, this is a team capable of playing with serious intensity and organisation.
But then there are other times, like a recent 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa or a five-goal drubbing by Leicester City in August, when Bruce's side can seem rather listless, devoid of purpose.
What this comes down to is the fact that Newcastle have once again pushed the reset button over the summer following Rafa Benitez's departure, while Wilder has been in charge of his side for three years now.
It will be fascinating to compare the rhythm and tone of the performances from both sides when they meet in front of an expectant Bramall Lane crowd under the lights on Thursday.
Recent Sheffield United form: WDWDDD
Recent Newcastle United form: LDWWLD
Team News
© Reuters
The home side are blessed by the fact that they have no injury concerns, with Wilder set to partner new signings Lys Mousset and Oli McBurnie up front after both players netted crucial goals over the past two games.
Newcastle, on the other hand, continue to be without captain Jamaal Lascelles, who is set to be sidelined until after Christmas.
Matt Ritchie will not return until the new year, while Florian Lejeune is a serious doubt for this upcoming game.
Andy Carroll, DeAndre Yedlin and Allan Saint-Maximin are all doubts as well but have slightly better chances of recovering in time for the meeting with Sheffield.
Sheffield United possible starting lineup:
Henderson; Basham, Egan, O'Connell; Baldock, Freeman, Norwood, Fleck, Stevens; McBurnie, Mousset
Newcastle United possible starting lineup:
Dubravka; Manquillo, Fernandez, Clark, Dummett, Willems; Almiron, Hayden, Shelvey, Atsu; Joelinton
We say: Sheffield United 1-0 Newcastle United
In what promises to be a tight affair played between two teams who will look to counter each other, penetrating any space left in behind and relying on set pieces, expect the home side, now unbeaten in seven games, to have just enough to edge this one in their favour.
No Data Analysis info
Germany
Switzerland
Hungary
Scotland
Spain
Italy
Croatia
Albania
England
Denmark
Slovenia
Serbia
Austria
France
Netherlands
Poland
Romania
Belgium
Slovakia
Ukraine
Portugal
Turkey
Georgia
Czech Republic
