Expert shares Burnley vs Sheffield United prediction that’ll have fans leaving Turf Moor, ‘there’s going to be groans’

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Burnley host Sheffield United in an absolutely crucial game at Turf Moor which could be decisive in the automatic promotion race.

Burnley can seal their own promotion, as well as that of Leeds United, should they beat Chris Wilder’s side in the late kick-off. Sheffield United have the opportunity to throw a spanner in the works at the business end of the campaign.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	LeedsLeeds	43	26	13	4	83	29	54	91
2	BurnleyBurnley	43	25	16	2	59	14	45	91
3	Sheff UtdSheffield Utd	43	27	7	9	59	33	26	86
4	SunderlandSunderland	43	21	13	9	58	40	18	76

Jobi McAnuff wants the Blades to switch the pressure onto Burnley with a win, but anything less will see the promotion race end earlier than the final day, which many had hoped for.

The Blades were much improved against Cardiff City last time out, which our player ratings reflected, and ended a three-match losing streak in the process. They must now be near-perfect in the final four Championship games in order to budge their way into the top two.

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Sam Parkin’s prediction for Burnley against Sheffield United

The issue for the visitors is that they take on a Burnley side who are unbeaten at Turf Moor, who have only lost two league games all season, and who are now a record 30 Championship games unbeaten in the process.

That is the size of the task Wilder and co. face this afternoon. Sam Parkin is an EFL pundit for the BBC and talkSPORT, as well as being a co-commentator for Sky Sports, and he spoke to Benjamin Bloom to provide his verdict on the titanic clash between the pair.

Bloom said: “Sam, it almost feels like we don’t know what to do. We’ve been talking about this game for about six months, haven’t we? Obviously, it has a slightly different narrative given Sheffield United’s atrocious week last week.

“Do you know what, Sam? I actually got to the point where I thought Sheffield United would be four points ahead going into this game — and they would be able to lose it and take the top two.

“Obviously, they’re not only not four points ahead but five points behind. I think Burnley will take the lead and it’ll be job done. Sheffield United will equalise in the like 93rd minute or something and the game will end 1-1 but the damage is done because Sheffield United have to win the game.

“Maybe Burnley score on 78 and Sheffield United score on 93 or something like that. I’m going to play a 1-1 which should just about end the automatic promotion race.”

Parkin added: “It’s been a season like no other for Burnley, so I’m going to raise you on that and say it’s going to be even more predictable and it’s going to finish 0-0.

“And there’s going to be groans — not from the home support. But it’s just going to be that kind of — you know where you hear the seats going up and everyone getting up to leave the stadium a little bit bored.

“I think that’s a more likely outcome than someone fist pumping in front of a rapturous support. So, I’m going to go 0-0 and Sheffield United’s fate to be almost sealed.”

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Burnley’s home record highlights size of Sheffield United task

Sheffield United travel to a side with the third-best record but one who have not lost a single game all season on their own patch. They must do what no other has managed if they are to achieve a top two place.

The fact the Blades have to go for it and to find goals means that there will likely be a winner, unless Burnley play for a point themselves. The game could be a lot more open now one side has to find a winner.

The primary winner of the fixture could well be Leeds, especially if they win and both teams draw, which would seal their promotion. Avoiding defeat for Burnley will all but seal theirs, too.

Whatever way it’s dressed up, it’s a huge game. Wilder and Sheffield United know it’s a must-win.