Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has delivered his verdict on Sheffield United’s Champions League hopes, claiming they are now “massive players” in the race.
What’s he said?
Sheffield United’s rise has been remarkable. They’ve gone from League One to the top half of the Premier League in next to no time, and they now somehow stand a chance of securing European football.
A place in the Europa League beckons at present – the Blades are sixth in the top-flight. However, with Manchester City’s two-year ban from continental competition, fifth spot in the Premier League will now secure a place on Europe’s top table.
It would be a remarkable achievement if they were to do so, and Merson certainly thinks it’s within their capabilities. However, his reasoning behind why are slightly unorthodox. He told Sky Sports:
“Watching last night, Sheffield United are massive players in the Champions League race. With Manchester United, you’re talking about one of the biggest clubs in the world not having a centre forward.
“When you look at Chelsea, you’re not going to get into the top four with Michy Batshuayi up front. He’s not good enough, so you’re looking at two teams who are so weak up front, that I honestly think Sheffield United have every chance this season. Neither Chelsea nor Manchester United seem to have the guile to break teams down.
“I know Tottenham create chances and score goals but I look back at the Aston Villa game, and they were on the rack at 1-0. For 30 minutes, Villa were all over them, and if they go 2-0 up, it’s a different game.
“I give Sheffield United every chance as these teams aren’t dominant anymore. You’re talking about three of the biggest clubs in the league – Manchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea – and one injury means they’ve not got a centre forward. You look at Sheffield United, they’ve got three or four centre forwards.”
Interesting viewpoint
Depth is vitally important at this point in the season, especially as fixtures begin to ramp up. However, with Chelsea, United and Spurs all fighting on the European front, Sheffield United will have a huge advantage.
They’ll be playing fewer games and will have greater opportunities to keep their players fresh.
That will especially be the case in a forward area, a position on the pitch that Merson refers to.
At the moment, Marcus Rashford, Tammy Abraham, Harry Kane and Heung-min Son are all out injured for their respective sides.
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In comparison, the Blades still have a plethora of options at their disposal. Billy Sharp found form by scoring against Bournemouth last time out. Oliver McBurnie, meanwhile, won 12 aerial duels during that 2-1 victory.
On top of that, they also have new signing Richairo Zivkovic to bring into the team, alongside Lys Mousset who has been out of favour in the last month.
They may not be top quality but it’s depth that will give them an advantage in the race for the Champions League.
In other news, one Kevin McCabe MASTERSTROKE is still very much alive at Bramall Lane…
