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Wednesday 4 December 2019 14:23, UK
Team news, stats and prediction ahead of Sheff Utd vs Newcastle in the Premier League on Thursday.
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has a fully-fit squad for the Bramall Lane clash but has admitted he may shuffle his pack this week - at Norwich on Sunday if not against Newcastle. "We've got everybody fit," the Blades boss said. "That gives us the opportunity to rotate if we want to, whether we do it Thursday night or Sunday."
Oli McBurnie, Callum Robinson, Luke Freeman and Billy Sharp are among those pushing for more involvement.
Newcastle forward Andy Carroll and defender DeAndre Yedlin have shaken off injuries and could be involved after returning to training.
Carroll has made only seven substitute appearances since rejoining Newcastle in the close season due to ankle and groin issues, while Yedlin missed the 2-2 draw with Manchester City due to a hip problem.
Defender Florian Lejeune is closing in on his first game of the campaign having come back from two anterior cruciate ligament injuries last season but boss Steve Bruce has suggested he will exercise caution over his reintegration.
"I had a chat a week ago with him. The longer he trains, the better mentally and physically he becomes," Bruce said. "To have the injury like he had then come back... and have it again -- he's had a tough time. When the time is right let's hope we can introduce him."
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Sheffield United are going great. They have 18 points and people are very surprised by the start they've made this season. They only have four wins in 14 games but have only lost three too. They do not lose away from home and they have picked up slightly at home.
Newcastle are a similar sort of side. They are very impressive away from home but lack a bit of the cutting edge. Steve Bruce has brought the passion back, and they are nicking points here and there. I think the Newcastle fans are accepting what Bruce can do with a fairly average bunch. He is doing a much better job than what Rafael Benitez did.
They may only be four points above Southampton but they are better than where they were last season. Newcastle are hard to break down and look to counter-attack.
These are the types of games which the Premier League throw up. There are only three points between them so it is not as clear cut as some people might think. It is incredibly tight at the bottom. It tells you how well some of bottom teams have done.
Bruce is clever, he is going back to Sheffield where he will get plenty of abuse but he will have his players pumped up. If their shape is good, the counter-attack will be a strong weapon for them.
CHARLIE PREDICTS: 1-1 (5/1 with Sky Bet)
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