Tottenham hope for change in fortunes as they face battling Blades

Tottenham seek to build upon their midweek Champions League win over Red Star Belgrade when facing Sheffield United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday.

In contrast to what many may have believed at the start of the campaign, Sheffield United currently sit in the European places in the Premier League as Tottenham languish in the bottom half of the table.

Sixth-placed Sheffield United have consistently impressed so far with their formidable defence the basis for their positive results. Chris Wilder’s Blades have conceded only eight goals and have only lost one away goal in 2019.

Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham dispatched Red Star with ease on Wednesday but remain ten points away from fourth-place in the Premier League. Spurs seek a first win in five league games with current captain Harry Kane looking to continue a remarkable record. The striker has scored against every team he has faced in the Premier League so far with Wilder’s men the potential 29th victim of the Englishman.

Team news

Erik Lamsla and Jan Vertonghen continue their recoveries for the home side whilst Hugo Lloris continues his recovery from surgery on his elbow.

They have welcomed back new signings Giovani Lo Celso and Ryan Sessegnon who both impressed in midweek and Danny Rose is also available once again after serving his suspension.

For the visitors, Sheffield United have a full squad at their disposal as they travel to north London.

Mauricio Pochettino spoke about the challenge of breaking down the league’s joint-best defence ahead of the fixture:

It is going to be very difficult. They work so hard. What impressed me the most is the belief, the togetherness, they have the spirit like a rugby team that fights for each other, that is fantastic to see in a football team.”

Blades boss Chris Wilder was keen not to underestimate his opponents despite their below-average start to the season:

“They have an identity. However they play, whether they mix their systems up. In the individuals – world class individuals – they have a good collective group. They can’t fail with the amount of quality they’ve got.”

Head-to-head

The two teams have squared off six times in the Premier League and have shared two wins each as well as two draws.