Preview: Sheffield United vs. Burnley - prediction, team news, lineups

On the final day of the Premier League season, basement side Sheffield United welcome Burnley to Bramall Lane on Sunday.

The last time the Blades fans were allowed into the stadium, the club were on the brink of the top six, but this season has told a far different story as they have been rooted to the foot of the Premier League table the entirety of the campaign.

Match preview

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The Blades suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat in the North East last time out, as they travelled to take on Newcastle United at St James' Park.

Unlike the reverse fixture, when the South Yorkshire side secured their first victory of the campaign in January, the Magpies dominated the game throughout, and Joe Willock's headed goal on the stroke of half time saw his side to a 1-0 win.

Sheffield United's relegation was confirmed following a 1-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers in April, but they looked somewhat rejuvenated since their fate was sealed, picking up impressive 1-0 victories over Brighton and Hove Albion and Everton prior to the disappointing defeat in Newcastle.

After a poor second season in the top flight, the Blades will now look to rebuild confidence going into the Championship, as they aim to kickstart an immediate bid to win promotion back to the Premier League.

Furthermore, with the shortlist of potential managers being narrowed down by the Sheffield United hierarchy, interim manager Paul Heckingbottom will look to boost his bid for the permanent job with another victory on Sunday, having won two and lost eight of his 10 games in charge since the departure of promotion-winning manager Chris Wilder in March.

The Blades take on a Burnley side who will look to bounce back from heavy consecutive defeats in the Premier League.

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Last time out, Sean Dyche's side fell to a 3-0 defeat to Liverpool at Turf Moor, as Roberto Firmino and Nat Phillips established a comfortable lead for the visitors before Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain capped off the result with an impressive late goal.

That followed a 4-0 home defeat to Leeds United, as Mateusz Klich opened the scoring before Jack Harrison doubled the lead and Rodrigo netted a late brace.

Despite their disappointing recent form, the Clarets have achieved their target of avoiding the drop, as a 2-0 win over Fulham condemned their opponents to relegation, confirming the safety of Dyche's men in the process.

With the chance to move up to 16th spot with a win, depending on Brighton's result on the final day, the Lancashire outfit will hope to end the season with a victory over the basement side after two disappointing results in the top flight.

Team News

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Sheffield United will remain without a long list of players through injury, as important centre-back Jack O'Connell remains out of action alongside Chelsea loanee Ethan Ampadu.

Their front line has also taken a major hit, with Oli McBurnie, Oliver Burke and captain Billy Sharp all ruled out.

Right-back George Baldock was also absent last time out alongside Norwegian midfielder Sander Berge, and both are expected to remain out on Sunday.

Meanwhile, midfielder John Lundstram is expected to have made his final major contribution for the Blades, after his contract renewal talks fell through.

In place of the former Everton man, Heckingbottom has opted to deploy Ben Osborn in the midfield three alongside Oliver Norwood and John Fleck.

Seventeen-year-old forward Daniel Jebbison marked his first Premier League start with the winning goal against Everton recently, and he should be handed his third straight start alongside top scorer David McGoldrick, given the absentees in attack.

Burnley also have plenty of injuries to deal with, as Robbie Brady, Kevin Long and Dale Stephens all continue spells on the sidelines.

Forward Ashley Barnes may also miss out, with Chris Wood and Matej Vydra expected to form the attacking partnership on Sunday.

Goalkeeper Nick Pope is also a doubt, and Will Norris could continue between the sticks after he was called upon for the Liverpool match after Bailey Peacock-Farrell's disappointing showing against Leeds United.

Sheffield United possible starting lineup:
Ramsdale; Basham, Egan, Robinson; Bogle, Osborn, Norwood, Fleck, Stevens; McGoldrick, Jebbison

Burnley possible starting lineup:
Norris; Lowton, Mee, Tarkowski, Taylor; Brownhill, Cork, Westwood, McNeil; Wood, Vydra

We say: Sheffield United 0-1 Burnley

Both sides have been fairly poor in front of goal this season, and we see this being a low-scoring affair as a result.

We would not be surprised to see the Blades fall to their 12th 1-0 defeat of the Premier League season, as they could again fall just short of sealing a result.