Sheffield United are almost surely going to be relegated at the end of the 2023-2024 Premier League season. Unfortunately, they got off to a tough beginning and it never got better from there. Inconsistent results, lack of player squad depth, and possibly poor managerial skills have led them to amass only 16 points in 35 games.
Even the manager, Chris Wilder, has agreed with the sentiment of negativity that has encircled the entirety of the season.
‘We know we’ve had a poor season, that’s there for everyone to see’.
Can they manage to scrounge up a few last points to end the league on a high note, or will the almost-certain relegation cause them to continue to drop key points in their final three matches?
Sheffield United vs. Newcastle United
Chris Wilder reacts to today's game at St. James' Park. 🎙️ pic.twitter.com/4EpFRkf66R
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) April 27, 2024
Sheffield United faces off against Newcastle United in one of their last matches of the season, hoping to claim a much-needed three points for pride more so than anything. A defeat for Sheffield means they are 100% relegated to the Championship for the 2024-2025 season, with two more teams joining them before the season officially ends.
Similarly, if they can earn a point from a hard-earned battle at St. James’ Park, they will still face relegation. Despite being level on points for the end of the year with 26 in 35 matches, they still have a whopping 41 lesser goal difference. Not only does this hint at a huge issue with scoring goals, but it also points out a massive gap in terms of consistent defending, organization, and tactical structure.
But the game against Newcastle has more connotations than just for Sheffield United, with the former needing to win in order to qualify for European football in the 2024-2025 campaign. Howe, the manager, knows his team needs to step up after a midweek defeat to Palace that put his team farther back on the quest for the Europa League.
‘We must learn and absorb all of the lessons from Wednesday. Every game is difficult, it is up to us to go into the game with the right mentality…we need to finish the season strongly, we are under no illusions on how important these fixtures are.’
Sheffield Relegation to Championship Imminent
Sheffield United are 10 points away from the coveted ‘safety zone’, but a draw just wouldn’t do it for them. Therefore, the Blades are automatically relegated to the Championship, regardless of their upcoming results against Newcastle, Nottingham Forest, Everton, and Tottenham.
Looking ahead at these games, we predict The Blades can take away points from Everton and Nottingham Forest. Even earning two draws before the end of the year could see the squad’s dismal spirits lift before taking some time off, going through an intense pre-season, and – hopefully – playing extremely well in the Championship next year.
The only thing that will make matters even worse for the struggling Sheffield United side as they begin their next season in the English second division with -2 points due to financial issues within the club.
Wilder, the manager, is hopeful, but not unrealistic.
‘We’re not saying everything is great….we’ve been in far worse positions than this as a football club, certainly over my time as a supporter, player, and manager…we’ll try our best, as we did, like we did on Wednesday night at Old Trafford, to get a result for our club and our supporters.’
Can Sheffield United dominate the Championship next year? Only time will tell.
About the Author
Emma is an athlete and sports fan who currently plays professional soccer. Growing up, she reached a high level in track and field, distance running, and soccer on both club and university teams.
