Manchester City vs Sheffield United (Premier League): Match Preview, Team News, Head to Head, How to Watch

Manchester City host a game at the Etihad Stadium for the final time in 2023, as they welcome Sheffield United in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

It has been a historic year on all fronts for the club, winning the treble before a Super Cup final victory over Sevilla, as well as a Club World Cup final victory over Fluminense topped off a 12-months filled with coveted success.

The dominance of the Blues this year has largely been down to the club refusing to rest on their laurels, taking each game as it comes and taking nothing for granted, and Sheffield United will be no exception to that rule.

City emerged as 3-1 victors last time out, as they travelled to Goodison Park to face a high-flying Everton, which paid difficult in the first-half as a Jack Harrison goal against his former employers put the cat amongst the pigeons.

The Sky Blues switched on their style in the second half however, with the brilliance of Phil Foden, who delivered a piledriver past Jordan Pickford to level the scores.

After Nathan Ake’s shot hit the arm of Amadou Onana, City were awarded a penalty, which Julian Alvarez made light work of, cooly slotting the ball into the middle of the goal to put the away side in front.

In the lead and in control, City eventually managed to add a third, when Pickford made a fatal error, gifting the ball to Bernardo Silva, who punished the England goalkeeper, lofting the ball over his head claiming all three points in the process.

You just watched… the 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃!!! 🔝🗺️ pic.twitter.com/u93D0Dc2U8

— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) December 27, 2023

Sheffield United weren’t as fortunate last time around, when they were on the wrong end of a 3-2 scoreline against Luton at Bramall Lane, courtesy of two second-half own goals as they shot themselves in the foot.

The champions host rock bottom Sheffield United on Saturday, and here is everything you need to know ahead of the fixture in the Premier League.

Fixture Details

Manchester City take on Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United on Saturday 30^th December, with kick-off at the Etihad Stadium scheduled for 15:00 GMT.

Team News

Pep Guardiola confirmed Jeremy Doku, Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne all remain absent for this one, as well as John Stones, who sustained an ankle injury at Goodison Park during the week.

Sheffield United will be without James Mcatee due to the loan agreement between the two clubs, while Chris Basham, Tom Davies, Jon Egan and Daniel Jebbison remain out through injury.

Anel Ahmedhodzic and Gustavo Hamer will also be suspended for Saturday’s clash.

Head-To-Head

The two sides have faced off nine times in the last 17 years, with City winning seven whilst drawing one. Sheffield United’s only victory in that time came in 2006, with a 2-1 win at Bramall Lane.

The most recent encounter between the pair was at Bramall Lane back in August, which saw City grab a late winner courtesy of a Rodri strike, after the home side drew level against the run of play in what was a 1-2 victory for the blues.

Sheffield United saw their FA Cup run ended last season at the hands of City, who defeated the Blades 3-0 at Wembley Stadium back in April, courtesy of a Riyad Mahrez hat-trick.

How To Watch

For viewers in the UK, Saturday’s match will not be broadcast live due to the 3PM blackout. Radio commentary will be provided by BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Radio Manchester.

City Xtra will also have full coverage available across our social channels and during our live watchalong on YouTube!