Blades' momentum blunted by leaders Fulham
Sheffield United will play their first fixture in over a fortnight on Monday evening, which is a daunting trip south to face EFL Championship leaders Fulham at Craven Cottage. The Blades have won their last three games in the division, but might find that the unexpected lull between games will cost them dearly. Read our preview here:
Nothing craven about Fulham
With Ivan Cavaleiro the only long-term absentee, Cottagers head coach Marco Silva is set to otherwise have a full squad to choose from, pending a late fitness test on Harrison Reed. The current boss has masterminded an excellent first half of the campaign in the London outfit's quest for an immediate return to the Premier League, and the vast majority of their signings from last summer have started to come to fruition. Whilst the avalanche of goals of Aleksandar Mitrović has scored have naturally both been the catalyst for their title charge and taken most of the headlines, there has been a real contribution from almost every member on the roster. Fabio Carvalho could be set for a move away from the club next month, with many elite outfits coveting the versatile forward's services, whilst Liverpool loaner Harry Wilson has chipped in with six goals and seven assists in his support of the Serbian hitman.
He lives to Gibbs
Putting aside the bizarre proclamation by the board that new manager Paul Heckingbottom won't be judged on results at all, he has nevertheless won the two to date in charge, with the red and white half of the city now six points away from a play-off place with at least one game in hand on most of the sides directly above them in the standings. At the time of writing, he has four first team players out of contention, but none of them are Covid-related. Conor Hourihane is likely to be back in central midfield of the 3-4-2-1 shape, which has certainly brought out the best from Morgan Gibbs-White. On loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, the 21 year old had struggled for league starts at his parent club for several seasons, but has relished being at his temporary environment in the second tier, scoring a very respectable five and assisting a further four in 15 games. He has proven to be an excellent 'partner' for veteran striker Billy Sharp, who is also enjoying a fine campaign.
Silva's digging for gold
Fulham have been formidable this season, as new promotion rivals Blackburn Rovers found out in their own backyard last month. The combination of rarely giving away freebies defensively whilst being innovative and destructive in attack has them top of the tree, despite drawing their last four games. Sheffield United will give them a stern test, but they should have enough to see them off. bet365 have odds of 3.40 for a home win with both teams scoring.
