Get ready for some cut and thrust down at Bramall Lane this weekend as the Blades sharpen their knives for the visit of the troubled Toffees.

Sheffield United have made a decent fist of their return to the big time under gaffer Heckingbottom. They've got energy to burn and shocked the mighty Man City last game by getting right up in their grills from the first whistle.

The Blades gave the champions a blooming good scare before City finally nicked it late on. But United showed there'll be no walkovers this season by taking it to Pep's superstars.

As for Everton, their new boss Dyche hasn't exactly got them firing on all cylinders yet. Three losses on the bounce have turned up the heat on grumpy Sean.

The Toffees are drier in front of the goal than Gandhi's drinks cabinet. They've hogged the ball in games but couldn't hit a cow's backside with a banjo when it comes to finishing.

Dyche needs to light a firework under his forwards asap or the Toffees could sink faster than a lead balloon. But honestly Sean isn't one to panic - he'll keep calm and carry on until they finally click into gear.

This has all the makings of a right old ding-dong battle. The Blades will be licking their lips to carve up Everton's fragile confidence in front of their raucous home fans.

But write off Dyche's band of brothers at your peril. They've got enough grizzled experience to spoil the party if United aren't sharp enough.

Sheffield United vs Everton

The match will take place on Saturday, 2nd September, 2023, at Bramall Lane, in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England.

Blades Gave Champions Mighty Scare Before Late Heartbreak

Sheffield United put on a stirring display before late drama saw them succumb 2-1 to champions Manchester City. The Blades matched City blow for blow in a classic clash at Bramall Lane.

Many predicted City would steamroll United on their route to a routine win. But manager Paul Heckingbottom had other ideas - charging his players to meet fire with fire against Pep Guardiola's superstars.

The Blades responded with a fearless, high-octane performance from the first whistle. Snapping into tackles and pressing City high up the pitch, United gave their illustrious visitors no time to settle.

Wave after wave of red and white shirts swarmed around the City players whenever they got the ball. The raucous home crowd revved up the intensity, sensing an upset could be on the cards.

City's attacking talents were subdued by United's organized defense and relentless work rate. 

Substitute Jayden Bogle smashed in a shock equalizer late on to bring the house down at Bramall Lane. City captain Kyle Walker, formerly of United, hung his head after his mistake led to the goal.

The Blades were tantalizing close to a previous point, but it wasn't to be. Walker made amends by helping set up Rodri's crisp winner that broke United's hearts.

In the end, City's class shone through, but manager Heckingbottom was proud of his players for pushing the champions all the way.

On this evidence, United won't be Premier League lightweights if they can replicate this high-energy and fearless approach against the division's elite.

Toothless Toffees Come Up Short Again

The Toffees' peashooters misfired again as a late Wolves winner left Everton's attacking plans in tatters. Dyche rallied the troops but his forwards couldn't hit a barn door with a banjo right now.

A couple of lively youngsters gave Everton fans some hope. Branthwaite and Dobbin impressed on their first starts under Sergeant Sean.

But two golden home games have yielded nothing but frustration. The Evertonians are cheesed off watching their side pass it around nicely before fluffing their lines in the finish.

Gaffer Dyche was scratching his noggin after the Toffees carved out a dog's dinner of chances only to make a pig's ear of them. You've got to feel for the gaffa - he's dished out his proven methods but simply lacks the tools for the job upfront.

Jordan Pickford pulled off a worldie stop late on to deny a Wolves oggy as the visitors finally stirred. Even then it was against the run of play.

The killer punch came when Wolves' new boy Kalajdzic nodded home soon after coming on. The Austrian ghosted in free as a bird to convert and bag his first goal. It was the Wolves ' only meaningful effort all game.

As the clock wound down, Everton's desperation grew. Chucking center-back Keane up front summed up their troubles. On the balance of play, they deserved the three points.

If the Toffees' striking woes continue, it's hard to see light at the end of the tunnel. Dyche needs to weave some magic on the training pitch and dip into the transfer kitty. Otherwise, Everton's nightmare start could spin out of control.

Predicted Lineups

Everton Predicted Lineup: Jordan Pickford, Ben Godfrey, James Tarkowski, Michael Keane, Seamus Coleman, Dwight McNeil, Amadou Onana, Abdoulaye Doucouré, Alex Iwobi, Demarai Gray, Neal Maupay

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

Key Battles

• John Fleck vs James Garner

Midfield will be a key battleground where the game could be won or lost. United's energy through the likes of John Fleck and Oliver Norwood has helped them overwhelm teams so far. They will look to dominate the center again and give Everton's playmakers like Garner no time on the ball.