In the world of football, anticipation is building for the highly-anticipated clash between Sheffield United vs Wolves, set to unfold on Saturday, the 4th of November at the iconic Bramall Lane in Sheffield. With 32,702 passionate fans expected to fill the stadium, the atmosphere is bound to be electrifying.
Match Details
- Sheffield United vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers
- Premier League England
- Date: 04/11/2023
- Starting time: 15:00 UTC
- Venue: Bramall Lane, Sheffield, England
The Previous Encounter
The last time these two teams met was on the 9th of January, 2022, and Wolverhampton Wanderers emerged victorious with a commanding 3-0 win. This resounding victory undoubtedly has Sheffield United fans on edge, wondering if history is poised to repeat itself. In their last three face-offs, Wolverhampton Wanderers dominated, netting six goals while Sheffield United failed to score.
Weather Conditions
Weather plays a crucial role in football, and on match day, the temperature is forecasted to peak at 13°C, ensuring that the players won’t exhaust themselves early. However, there’s a significant likelihood of rain, which could introduce an element of unpredictability into the game.
League Standings
Currently, Wolverhampton Wanderers occupy the 12th position in the league, and this match provides an opportunity for them to assert their dominance over Sheffield United, who are languishing eight positions below. This clear disparity in the league standings sets the stage for an intriguing showdown.
Key Players
One player who could be pivotal in Wolverhampton Wanderers’ quest for victory is Hwang Hee-chan. His presence on the field could be the X-factor that secures a win for the team. The expected starting lineups for both teams are as follows:
Sheffield United:
- Goalkeeper: Wes Foderingham
- Defenders: Jayden Bogle, Auston Trusty, Jack Robinson, Luke Thomas
- Midfield: James McAtee, Oliver Norwood, Vinicius de Souza Costa, Anis Ben Slimane, Gustavo Hamer
- Attackers: Rhian Brewster
Wolverhampton Wanderers:
- Goalkeeper: Jose Sa
- Defenders: Max Kilman, Toti Gomes, Craig Dawson, Nelson Semedo, Rayan Ait-Nouri
- Midfielders: Boubacar Traore, Mario Lemina
- Forward line: Pedro Neto, Hwang Hee-chan, Matheus Cunha
The final team lineups can be confirmed one hour before kickoff.
Substitute Players
In the event of any changes or tactical adjustments, the following players might find themselves on the bench:
For Sheffield United: Adam Davies, George Baldock, Yasser Larouci, John Fleck, Ben Osborn, Andre Brooks, Benie Adama Traore, Ryan One, Cameron Archer.
For Wolverhampton Wanderers: Daniel Bentley, Santiago Bueno, Jonny Otto, Matt Doherty, Tommy Doyle, Joao Gomes, Sasa Kalajdzic, Pablo Sarabia, Fabio Silva.
Sheffield United vs Wolves Betting Tips
To make an informed bet on this match, consider these vital statistics:
- In their last 36 meetings, Sheffield United has won 10 times, with 12 draws, while Wolverhampton Wanderers has emerged victorious 14 times.
- Sheffield United is currently on a six-match losing streak in the Premier League.
- Wolverhampton Wanderers have scored at least one goal in their last 10 consecutive matches.
- Sheffield United has conceded a goal in each of their last 7 matches.
- Wolverhampton Wanderers haven’t scored in only 1 of their 5 away matches in the Premier League this season.
- The average number of goals in meetings between Sheffield United and Wolverhampton Wanderers is 1.8.
- Sheffield United hasn’t scored in 2 of their 5 home matches in the Premier League this season.
No matter the outcome, these two teams are set to meet again on the 24th of February, 2024, at the Molineux Stadium in Wolverhampton, England.
JITABET Prediction
After a thorough analysis of statistics, recent form, and head-to-head games between Sheffield United and Wolverhampton Wanderers, JITABET predicts a final score of Sheffield United 1 : 2 Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Best Odds
- Sheffield United to win: 3.80
- Draw: 3.25
- Wolves to win: 1.97
Place your bets at JITABET, W9JA and OSBET, they offer really good odds, play and win big!
This is a must-watch clash for football enthusiasts, and the stakes are high. Stay tuned to witness the action unfold on the pitch.
Latest Update
In a thrilling Premier League encounter, Sheffield United secured their first win of the season in dramatic fashion, beating Wolves 2-1 with a last-minute penalty. After a disjointed first-half performance, the Blades showed remarkable improvement in the second half, making their dominance count. Cameron Archer‘s thunderous strike in the 72nd minute put Sheffield United ahead, but Wolves, who had been unbeaten in five Premier League matches, hit back in the 89th minute with Jean-Ricner Bellegarde’s deflected shot.
Last-Minute Drama
The match took an even more dramatic turn in injury time when VAR reviewed two penalty decisions. The first, involving a handball by Mario Lemina, was not given by the referee or VAR. However, the second penalty decision came after Fabio Silva’s challenge on George Baldock, and it was awarded in the dying moments by the referee. VAR reviewed it but did not overturn the on-field decision.
Former Premier League referee Mike Dean commented on the penalty decision, acknowledging that it was a soft penalty but highlighting the presence of contact, ultimately justifying the referee’s call.
Oliver Norwood’s Heroic Penalty
With the game hanging in the balance, Sheffield United captain Oliver Norwood stepped up and confidently hammered home the spot kick, securing their first three points of the season. Despite the victory, Sheffield United remains at the bottom of the Premier League table, but this win is expected to boost their confidence as they head into a busy November and December.
Wolves, on the other hand, dropped to 13th place and were left feeling aggrieved as another VAR penalty decision went against them. The controversy surrounding the penalty decision added to a growing list of grievances for Wolves this season, with referees’ decisions coming under scrutiny in their previous matches.
The First Half
Wolves had the better of possession and chances in the first half. Sheffield United’s goalkeeper Wes Foderingham made an excellent save in the 25th minute, denying Matheus Cunha’s effort. Rayan Ait-Nouri narrowly missed the target with a shanked Hwang Hee-Chan shot. The first half also saw Rhian Brewster being substituted due to what appeared to be a knee injury, which was a concerning sight for Sheffield United.
Lineup Changes
Sheffield United made two changes to their lineup, with James McAtee and Anis Ben Slimane making way for Cameron Archer and George Baldock. Wolves also made two changes, with Pedro Neto being replaced due to a hamstring injury and Boubacar Traore on the bench. Sasa Kalajdzic and Tommy Doyle, making his first Premier League start, came into the Wolves’ starting XI.
A Hard-Fought Second Half
James McAtee, who replaced the injured Rhian Brewster, played a pivotal role in Sheffield United’s improved second-half performance. Both teams had their moments, with Archer firing over from range and Jose Sa almost gifting an opportunity to Gustavo Hamer with a poor back pass. However, Sheffield United was guilty of squandering good opportunities, particularly from set-pieces.
Player Ratings
- Sheffield United: Foderingham (6), Baldock (7), Trusty (7), Robinson (7), Bogle (7), Souza (6), Norwood (7), Hamer (7), Thomas (6), Brewster (5), Archer (7).
- Subs: McAtee (8), Osborn (n/a).
- Wolves: Sa (6), Kilman (6), Dawson (7), Gomes (6), Semedo (6), Lemina (6), Doyle (7), Ait Nouri (7), Cunha (7), Hwang (6), Kalajdzic (7).
- Subs: Bellegarde (6), Traore (6), Silva (4).
Player of the match: James McAtee.
Post-Match Comments
Wolves manager Gary O’Neil expressed disappointment with his team’s second-half performance and the penalty decision. He emphasized the need for improvement and understanding the differences between the first and second halves of the game.
Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom praised his team’s performance and highlighted their increased aggression and energy in the second half. He acknowledged that while they’ve been close in previous games, this win is a well-deserved reward.
Notable Stats
- Sheffield United scored the third latest winning goal in Premier League history (99:16).
- Wolves suffered their first defeat in six Premier League games.
- This was Wolves’ first away defeat against a promoted side since July 2020.
What’s Next
Sheffield United’s next match is against Brighton on November 12, followed by a game against Bournemouth on November 25. Wolves will host Tottenham next Saturday and then travel to Fulham on November 27.
This thrilling match will be remembered for its late drama and the dramatic last-minute penalty that secured Sheffield United’s long-awaited victory in the Premier League.
