After the glamour of the Champions League in the San Siro, Newcastle United are now off to Bramall Lane.
That may pale in comparison, but Sheffield United are going to provide a very stern test for the Magpies on Sunday. They will be eager to capitalise on any Toon tiredness, as they go in search of their first win of the season.
Pundits such as Chris Sutton and Paul Merson are backing Eddie Howe’s side to win in the aftermath of their Champions League exploits, but the game in Milan could actually hinder Newcastle.
That is what Sheffield United will be hoping for, although they have problems of their own. Paul Heckingbottom’s side are winless despite some decent performances, while they will be without Oli McBurnie who is suspended.
But what should Newcastle fans expect from the Blades on Sunday? We spoke to Sheffield United News writer Lee Connor to find out.
Sheffield United expert gives Newcastle the lowdown
GBB: What have you made of Sheffield United’s start to the season?
Lee Connor: We’ve actually been pretty unlucky to only have a single point. Performances have picked up but has felt like we’ve been playing catch up due to the late signings and losing Ndiaye and Berge late-ish in the window. We should have got a point at Forest, and were two stupid mistakes away from a point off both City and Tottenham. We have got to cut those errors out if we are going to start winning games. But all in all, performance wise, it’s been quite positive.
GBB: Oli McBurnie is obviously suspended, how big a loss will he be?
LC: It’s absolutely massive and hugely frustrating. McBurnie has been immense for the last 12 months and more now and looks to be bonding well with Cameron Archer. But defensively too, he is huge. He wins so many headers from set-pieces when we defend and it will be a big boost for Newcastle’s players to see him not in the XI.
GBB: Who is one player Newcastle fans should be wary of on Sunday?
LC: At the moment, it’s hard to look past Gus Hamer. He has been superb since he signed in the summer and has scored two great goals already. Beyond that, James McAtee is back and with McBurnie out, he’ll be vital in us creating anything.
GBB: Do you think Newcastle playing in the Champions League on Tuesday night could benefit you?
LC: Hopefully it can play some sort of part but I bet it doesn’t. If it was Wednesday to Saturday then maybe but I can’t see a full four day gap being a problem. Plus, your squad is good enough to cause us problems regardless of which XI Howe picks.
GBB: What have you made of Newcastle’s start to the season?
LC: Being completely honest…I’ve not paid too much attention but you have clearly got good players and the pace in wide/forward areas is a worry when it comes to playing us. Obviously the 0-0 in Milan was a bit dull for Newcastle , but if anything it showed they can be resilient and tough to break down, which is another worry for us this weekend.
GBB: Prediction for Sunday?
LC: Going to let my head rule the heart on this one. I think it will be the story of our season so far and Newcastle will edge it 2-1, sadly.
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