With a limited number of supporters returning to St Mary's for the first time in nine months, get set for the Premier League meeting with our Match Pack, in association with eToro...
THE MATCH
Southampton vs Sheffield United
St Mary’s Stadium
Premier League
Sunday 13 December, noon GMT
THE OFFICIALS
Referee: Andy Madley
Assistants: Eddie Smart, Derek Eaton
Fourth official: Gavin Ward
VAR: Robert Jones
Assistant VAR: Andy Halliday
HOW TO WATCH
Saints fans can watch the game live on Sky Sports Premier League or Sky Sports Main Event from 11.30am, with supporters requiring a Sky Sports subscription.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
Supporters will return to St Mary’s for the first time since March, with 2,000 Saints fans ready to cheer on Ralph Hasenhüttl’s side.
A return to winning ways was secured on Monday night, with a 2-1 win at Brighton lifting Saints back into the top six ahead of the weekend’s action.
Looking to maintain their impressive start to the campaign, the hosts will also be determined to put on a show for those fortunate to be inside the stadium on Sunday.
For Sheffield United, the search for a first win of the season continues, with the Blades rooted to the foot of the table.
After last season’s memorable return to the top flight, Chris Wilder will be desperate to find some momentum heading into the busy festive fixtures.
TEAM NEWS
Ralph Hasenhüttl has reported a clean bill of health for the weekend, with a full squad to pick from.
Attacking duo Danny Ings and Nathan Redmond both featured on Monday night from the bench, and could be pushing for a recall to the starting eleven.
For the visitors, they could be provided a boost by the return of Ethan Ampadu, Lys Mousset and Enda Stevens, who have all returned to training and will make the trip south.
THE MANAGERS
Ralph Hasenhüttl: "I'm very much looking forward to seeing them [the supporters] back in the stands and hopefully, we can enjoy them.
"With the game we play, we have learnt a few new things and we want to show it to them without putting too much pressure on us.
"We are still convinced about what we are doing and hopefully we can give them a fantastic Sunday afternoon."
Chris Wilder: "I’ve said all along that I’m delighted to get fans back in grounds.
"We really hope it comes sooner rather than later at Bramall Lane.
"Southampton will have that advantage and we’ll have to overcome that as well as a good team."
ONES TO WATCH
Danny Ings: Returning to the matchday squad on Monday following knee surgery, Ings carried on where he left off by netting the winner.
Directly involved in eight goals in his eight Premier League appearances so far (six goals, two assists), the striker will be in line for a return to the starting line-up against the Blades.
Ollie McBurnie: After opening his account for the campaign last weekend, the Scotland international will be looking to fire his side out of the relegation zone in the coming weeks.
A hard-working presence up front, McBurnie will be determined to add regular goals to his performances so far.
TOP PERFORMERS
Inclusive of all competitions
Southampton:
Goals:
Danny Ings 6
James Ward-Prowse 4
Ché Adams, Jannik Vestergaard 3
Assists:
James Ward-Prowse, Ché Adams 3
Ings, Walcott, Armstrong 2
Kyle Walker-Peters 1
Sheffield United:
Goals:
David McGoldrick 3
Berge, Sharp, McBurnie 1
Assists:
Berge, Lowe, Lundstram, Baldock 1
HEAD TO HEAD
Played: 56
Saints: 18
Draws: 13
Sheffield United: 25
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
July 2020: Saints 3-1 Sheffield United (Adams 2, Ings)
September 2019: Sheffield United 0-1 Saints (Djenepo)
December 2014: Sheffield United 1-0 Saints
February 2009: Saints 1-2 Sheffield United (Surman)
October 2008: Sheffield United 0-0 Saints
DID YOU KNOW?
- Southampton won both Premier League meetings with Sheffield United last season – they’ve not won three league games in a row against the Blades since winning four consecutively against them in the second tier in 1950.
- Southampton have won six of their opening 11 games in the Premier League this season – only in 2014-15 (8) have they picked up more victories in their opening 11 games of a top-flight campaign.
- Southampton currently lead all Premier League teams for defensive actions outside of their own defensive third this season (347), while only Leeds United (8.5) are allowing fewer opposition passes per defensive action in the attacking and middle thirds than the Saints (10.7).
KEEP UP TO DATE
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