Will the ‘Allardyce bounce’ finally get underway? Or will Wilder’s Blades put more pressure on the Baggies?

Sheffield United welcome West Brom to Bramall Lane on Tuesday night as the Premier League’s bottom two face off. Three points would be massive for both parties in what looks to be one of the biggest games of the season, as both teams bid to survive the drop. 

The Baggies won the reverse fixture earlier on in the season, and are looking to do the double over the Blades for the first time in over 22 years. However, they haven’t had much luck away from home. Their only away win so far came against Wolves in the Black Country derby, with Matheus Pereira scoring a brace of penalties three weeks back.  

After Chris Wilder’s men secured four wins out of the seven games they played in January, and with their impressive FA Cup run continuing as well, it is breathing confidence into his players that they can go on to survive being relegated back down to the Championship. Putting all of this into perspective, there’s still a long way to go.  

After the Blades lost narrowly away at Manchester City this past weekend, Wilder said afterwards,  

“We are making it tight, we’re making it competitive, I’ve just got that feeling that we’ve got a fighting chance.” 

Nevertheless, this upturn in form doesn’t change the fact that the hosts are still rock bottom with 17 games left, being 13 points adrift of Brighton who are sat in 17th.  

With it taking them 18 matches in all competitions to get their first win of the season against Newcastle United on January 12th, winning four in their last six has been a good confidence boost. 

On the other hand, visitors West Brom have seen their side play slightly better in recent weeks with it becoming crunch time in a crucial part of the season. They drew 2-2 against Fulham last time out with new signing Mbaye Diagne making a real impact when he came off the bench at half time.  

The 29-year-old Senegalese international got an assist on his debut for the West Midlands club.  

Diagne, signed from Turkish giants Galatasaray on loan until the end of the season. 

The striker, who stands at 6ft4 has played in six different countries in his 11 year playing career. He has never really settled in one place, however, if things go right for him in England, he could find himself here permanently next season.  

Realistically, the Baggies are yet to feel the traditional Allardyce bounce as they do remain in the drop zone, six points behind Brighton who are hanging in there just outside the bottom three.  

The 66-year-old manager will fancy his chances against the Blades who Albion have beaten three times in their last four attempts. With opponents such as Spurs and Manchester United to come, getting the three points on the road will be huge in their survival bid, as come the end of the season it could be what settles the outcome of either sides campaign.  

In what is certain to be a gritty affair, either side could take the points here with tensions and emotions set to be high. It’s a crucial six pointer, maybe even a ‘cup final’. With the sides conceding 84 goals between them, it could be a goal fest on the cards. 

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