An all-Premier League matchup is taking place at Bramall Lane as Sheffield United host Brighton in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Both Teams to Score @ 13/20 with Paddy Power
Over 1.5 goals @ 2/9 with William Hill
Date: 27/01/24
Kick-off time: 15:00
Venue: Bramall Lane
Sheffield United will be getting a very welcome distraction from their Premier League relegation battle as they host European hopefuls Brighton in the FA Cup.
The Blades remain rooted to the bottom of the table, a position they have held for the majority of the season. Although they are just seven points from safety, it would take a dramatic upturn in form to avoid an immediate return to the Championship.
Brighton, on the other hand, have enjoyed a solid season so far, and have already secured progression to the knockout stages of the Europa League after topping their group. Last season they earned a European place for the first time in their history as they finished sixth, and are currently in the race to repeat this achievement as they sit eighth after 20 games.
Both teams knocked out lower-league opposition to set up this fourth-round tie. Sheffield United took on League Two Gillingham, comfortably winning 4-0. Roberto De Zerbi’s side beat Championship Stoke City 4-2 away from home.
This could have been a potential final in the FA Cup last season, but both teams fell to defeat at Wembley in the semi-finals to the Manchester clubs. Sheffield United had the tough task of taking on Man City, whilst Brighton faced Man United. The Blades were comfortably dispatched 3-1 by the eventual champions, though Brighton were agonisingly close to making the final for just the second time in their history. After holding United 0-0, they lost 7-6 on penalties. Neither team has won the competition before in their histories.
Chris Wilder took over the Blades for the second time, replacing Paul Heckingbottom, at the beginning of December. In his short tenure so far, he has overseen one league win and four defeats in seven games. They have struggled at both ends of the pitch, scoring just six goals in this period. Earlier in the season, United fell to some heavy defeats, including 8-0 at home to Newcastle. Their top scorer is Oli McBurnie, who has netted just four times.
In contrast, Brighton have a number of players they can look to offensively. They have scored 38 goals in the league, a figure bettered by only six teams. Brazilian forward Joao Pedro has 15 goals in all competitions and has emerged as a reliable attacking threat.
Sheffield United and Brighton have met 32 times. The Blades have got the better of their opponents on 14 occasions, and have lost nine games.
They played against each other in the Premier League in November with honours even at the AMEX. Simon Adingra put the hosts ahead before a 74th-minute Adam Webster own goal shared the points.
Goals have been hard to come by in this fixture, with a total of just eight scored in the last five meetings. Neither side have managed to score more than one in this stretch.
