Leicester vs Sheffield United Preview: How to Watch on TV, Live Stream, Kick Off Time & Team News
By Robbie Walls
Leicester City host Sheffield United on Thursday evening as the race to secure European qualification hots up for both sides.
The Foxes suffered an almighty collapse against struggling Bournemouth on Sunday, losing 4-1 to put their top-four hopes in jeopardy.
As for the Blades, their initial wobble since the restart is seemingly over, with Chris Wilder's men dismantling both Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester's fellow Champions League hopefuls Chelsea in recent weeks.
While a place in the Champions League may now appear unlikely for the visitors - particularly after Manchester City's European ban was overturned - a victory would send them a touch closer to earning a deserved spot in next season's Europa League.
Where to Watch
When Is Kick Off? Thursday 16 July
What Time Is Kick Off? 18:00 (BST)
Where Is It Played? King Power Stadium
TV Channel/ LIve Stream? Sky Sports (UK), fuboTV (US)
Referee? Michael Oliver
Team News
Brendan Rodgers will be sweating over the fitness of two of his star attractions, with both Ben Chilwell and James Maddison remaining doubts for the visit of the Blades having missed Sunday's dismal defeat to Bournemouth.
The former Celtic manager will also again be without the sorely missed Ricardo Pereira through injury, with his young deputy James Justin struggling to provide the same dynamic displays. Defender Çağlar Söyüncü will also be absent through suspension, after being involved in an off-the-ball incident with Callum Wilson on the weekend.
As for the away side, they could well be without defender Chris Basham after he took a blow to the face against Chelsea, which could mean a start for veteran Phil Jagielka. In midfield, Wilder may be able to select the fit-again John Fleck, although his side's superb form of late may dispel the need for unnecessary changes.
Predicted Lineups
Leicester: Schmeichel; Justin, Evans, Bennett, Fuchs; Ndidi, Tielemans, Praet; Pérez, Barnes, Vardy.
Sheffield United: Henderson; Egan, O'Connell, Jagielka; Baldock, Berge, Norwood, Osborn, Stevens; McBurnie, McGoldrick.
Recent Form
The hosts have had a dreadful spell of form since the restart - and 2020 in general - having registered just one league win since their return to competitive action. Where they were once Champions League certainties ahead of next season, the Foxes are now caught in a scrap for a top-four spot with a resurgent Manchester United and Frank Lampard's Chelsea.
The only saving grace for Brendan Rodgers is that all three sides dropped points over the weekend, while Leicester's future remains in their hands courtesy of a final day clash with United.
As for the Blades, they couldn't really be in any better form having defeated the Blues, Spurs and Wolves in the last few weeks, as well as snatching a point against a resilient Burnley side. With their form at the beginning of the restart now forgotten, the Blades once again pose a real threat to the sides above them.
Here's a look at both sides' last five fixtures.
Leicester
Bournemouth 4-1 Leicester (12/07/2020)
Arsenal 1-1 Leicester (07/07/2020)
Leicester 3-0 Crystal Palace (04/07/2020)
Everton 2-1 Leicester (01/07/2020)
Leicester 0-1 Chelsea (28/06/2020)
Sheffield United
Sheffield United 3-0 Chelsea (11/07/2020)
Sheffield United 1-0 Wolves (08/07/2020)
Burnley 1-1 Sheffield United (05/07/2020)
Sheffield United 3-1 Tottenham (02/07/2020)
Sheffield United 1-2 Arsenal (28/06/2020)
Prediction
While Premier League football is seldom easy to predict, this game seems to have a Sheffield United win written all over it.
With the hosts potentially fielding a defence without Pereira, Söyüncü and Chilwell, it could well be a long afternoon at the back, particularly with Blades striker David McGoldrick rediscovering his scoring touch.
In a game in which Leicester simply have to win to keep pace with their rivals, it doesn't look like happening.
Prediction: Leicester 1-2 Sheffield United