Premier League giants Newcastle United host Sheffield United at St. James' Park stadium. Newcastle have started the season on fire and look like title contenders. Sheffield are newly promoted and trying to avoid relegation.

This match sees Newcastle's superstar squad take on the underdog Blades. Newcastle will be big favorites playing at home. But Sheffield showed against Spurs they won't back down from a tough test.

Sheffield United vs Newcastle United

The match will take place on Sunday, 24th September, 2023, at Bramall Lane, in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England.

Newcastle Grind Out Gritty Victory

This was far from a vintage performance from Newcastle. Brentford's energetic start had the Magpies looking disjointed and struggling early.

Newcastle couldn't get into the free-flowing attacking rhythm that powered them last season. But they showed character to eventually grind out a needed win.

Joelinton's Absence Felt in Midfield

With Joelinton injured, Newcastle's midfield lacked its usual snap and dominance. Brentford's slick passer Jensen had time and space to orchestrate.

Longstaff and Anderson couldn't control central midfield like Joelinton does. His presence was really missed, especially early when Brentford were on top.

Wilson Delivers When Magpies Need Him

Just like he's done so often, Callum Wilson made the difference for Newcastle when they needed a moment of magic. His predatory penalty gave them the points.

Wilson just knows how to score goals. He won't overwhelm you with flashy skills, but he's always in the right place at the right time in the box. You can't overstate his importance.

Resolute Defense Preserve Lead

After the penalty, Newcastle locked things down at the back to protect their advantage. Their backline stood tall to limit Brentford's chances.

The Magpies defense was strong and organized to deal with Brentford's speedy attacks. Their gritty determination saw Newcastle safely over the line.

Massive Win Before Huge UCL Clash

This hard-fought victory couldn't have come at a better time for Newcastle right before their first ever Champions League match in Milan.

A loss here would have really stung heading into Europe. Instead, this result gives Newcastle renewed confidence when they'll need it most.

Huge credit goes to the Magpies for grinding this one out. It wasn't pretty, but they showed the mettle of a quality side. Big momentum builder.

Blades Left Heartbroken But Proud

Leading so late away to a top team, Sheffield United were mere minutes from recording one of the most famous victories in their history. To lose after defending so valiantly was utterly heartbreaking.

The Blades players gave everything they had to stubbornly keep a clean sheet. Agonizingly, their resistance was finally broken at the death as Spurs struck twice. After such a heroic overall performance, the players were devastated trudging off.

Tactical Plan Executed Superbly

Manager Heckingbottom set the Blades up brilliantly to frustrate star-studded Spurs. They maintained excellent team defensive shape and compressed space in their own half.

This stopped Tottenham's talented attack from cutting them open despite having most of the ball. Sheffield's organization and effort were first-class for over 80 minutes.

Spurs' Late Drama Keeps Hot Streak Alive

Scoring twice at the death to defeat Sheffield United kept Tottenham's perfect start to the season alive in dramatic fashion. Trailing with minutes left, this seemed impossible.

But inspired substitutes and refusal to quit earned Spurs a vital victory. The delirious late scenes showed how much the win meant to Tottenham's squad and supporters.

Key Substitutions Change the Game

When Spurs were struggling to create chances, manager Postecoglou boldly introduced Richarlison and Brennan Johnson. This gave them fresh energy up front to start threatening Sheffield's sturdy defense.

The subs played a huge role in turning the game around. Richarlison scored the equalizer and then assisted Kulusevski's magical winner. Postecoglou's changes sparked Tottenham's epic late revival.

Huge Confidence Boost Despite Loss

Although the final scoreline left Sheffield empty-handed, this excellent display should fill them with confidence about survival hopes. They matched one of the Premier League's top teams for long periods.

If the Blades can defend with the same discipline and show this level of effort each week, they have every chance of avoiding relegation. More battling performances like this will earn results.

Blades and Midfield Overhaul 

Sheffield United have been wheeling and dealing in the winter window to give their midfield options a real shake-up. Some astute signings have arrived to inject new energy and dynamism into the engine room.

A wise addition is Tom Davies, who has joined on a free transfer after leaving Everton. The move brings an experienced 25-year-old head into the middle of the park.

Davies always gives 100% and his work rate and tenacity will be so valuable for the Blades. He might not be the flashiest, but Davies keeps things ticking over nicely and breaks up opposition attacks.

His Premier League know-how could be invaluable in the promotion run-in. Davies provides a solid base in midfield and frees up others to roam. A shrewd bit of business getting him on board.

Predicted Lineups

Newcastle United: Nick Pope, Dan Burn, Sven Botman, Fabian Schär, Kieran Trippier, Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes, Alexander Isak, Miguel Almirón

Sheffield United: Adam Davies, Yasser Larouci, Anel Ahmedhodzic, Auston Trusty, Jayden Bogle, Vini Souza, John Fleck, Ben Osborn, Oliver Norwood, George Baldock, Oliver McBurnie

Key Battles

• Bruno Guimaraes vs Sander Berge

Bruno is Newcastle's midfield master who controls games with his passing and vision. He'll face a tough challenge against Sheffield's giant Norwegian midfielder Sander Berge. Whoever wins this midfield battle gains a big edge.

• Alexander Isak vs Anel Ahmedhodzic

Up front, Newcastle's new striker Alexander Isak is a huge goal threat with his speed and clinical finishing. But Ahmedhodzic is a talented young center-back who defends with bravery for the Blades. He must keep Isak quiet.

• Kieran Trippier vs Iliman Ndiaye

From right back, Trippier whips in dangerous crosses for Newcastle with his sweet left foot. Speedy winger Ndiaye will have to track back to help defend against Trippier's quality delivery. This matchup could lead to chances.