YOU would have got pretty long odds at the start of the season on this clash between Burnley and Sheffield United proving crucial in the battle for European places.
But both sides have made a habit of defying the doubters and a victory here would be a big step towards securing qualification for next season's Europa League.
At one point, the Blades looked to be in the reckoning for a Champions League place but a poor run after the Premier League restart ended those ambitions, with Chris Wilder's men taking just one point from three games.
They ended the slide in midweek with a superb 3-1 win over Spurs, a victory that kept Sheffield United in the final Europa League slot, but Burnley could leap above them by taking three points here.
The Clarets couldn't have made a worse start after lockdown, crashing 5-0 at Manchester City after a banner saying: “White Lives Matter Burnley” flew overhead to embarrass the club.
With key players injured and others involved in a contract stand-off, I fancied Sean Dyche's men to lose their next two games against Watford and Crystal Palace.
Instead, they ground out successive 1-0 wins to stay on track for an unlikely Euro slot, showing the huge strength of character in their squad.
How the bookies view it
There's nothing to separate these teams in the eyes of the bookies, with Sheffield United only just favourites at 9/5 with Unibet. Both a Burnley win and a draw are priced at 2/1 by the same firm. I'm steering clear of this market but if pushed would probably go for a stalemate.
Recent head to head
Burnley have a decent record against Sheffield United in recent seasons, winning four of their last six encounters. But the Blades romped to a 3-0 victory when these sides faced off at Bramall Lane earlier in the season (below).
Sheffield United's last victory at Turf Moor came 12 years ago, a 2-1 triumph when both clubs were still in the Championship.
Players to watch
Ashley Barnes remains injured for Burnley while Chris Wood and Jay Rodriguez are doubts. Being without their top three strikers would be a huge blow, with Matej Vydra having to shoulder the burden in attack.
Winger Dwight McNeil has impressed me all season and is as big as 15/2 with Paddy Power for a goal here. An assist is more likely and that's priced 17/4 at Ladbrokes.
John Lundstram bagged a double when the Blades beat Burnley earlier this season while John Fleck grabbed the other goal. But they will both miss this one through injury.
Lys Mousset scored off the bench against Spurs and that may earn the Frenchman a start here. He's 49/20 with 888Sport in the anytime scorer market here.
Anything else catch the eye?
Burnley's goals in their last two games have both come from headers and they remain a big threat from set-pieces. My tip for a header to be scored came up in that clash with Watford and I'm backing the same bet here at 17/10 with William Hill.
The same firm price over one corner for both teams in each half at 2/1 and that looks decent value for two sides who play with a lot of width.
This English Premier League match between Burnley and Sheffield United will be played on Jul 5, 2020 and kick off at 12:00. Check below for our tipsters best Burnley vs Sheffield United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
