Two sides in the Premier League relegation zone do battle on Saturday evening as Fulham welcome Sheffield United to Craven Cottage.
Despite both clubs being in the bottom three, 18th placed Fulham have a huge 8-point advantage over rock bottom Sheffield United.
The Blades have 11 points and are propping up the top flight table, desperately in need of a win if they are to maintain even a glimmer of hope when it comes to survival.
In 2008, Derby County were the first team to be relegated from the Premier League in March of a single season when they went down with just 11 points. Sheffield United will be hoping that they can avoid anymore unwanted records in their already miserable campaign.
Victory over Fulham is critical if they are to stay up, but Scott Parker’s Cottagers have a far greater chance of survival than their Yorkshire counterparts.
Fulham are 6 points from safety and have only lost one of their last six top flight games; although an abundance of draws – 10 in fact – has left the London club with plenty of work to do.
A midweek draw with Burnley edged Fulham closer to safety, but wins are paramount if they are to creep up on Newcastle United.
Sheffield United meanwhile have won 3 of their last 6 games in all competitions, including reaching the FA Cup quarter finals and victory over second-placed Manchester United.
However, anything less than 3 points here will reduce their chances of maintaining top flight status to a mere scruple.
Injuries have played a significant role in the Blades’ misfortunes this season and manager Chris Wilder remains without Jack O’Connell, Jack Robinson, John Fleck, Sander Berge and John Egan this weekend – 5 players who you’d imagine would be in with a shout of starting this game should they have been fit.
Fulham on the other hand have just the two injury concerns. Tom Cairney once again sits out with a knee problem whilst striker Aleksandar Mitrovic won’t be involved due to returning a positive coronavirus test.
Fulham v Sheffield United at Craven Cottage kicks off at 8pm on Saturday 20th February.
