Sheffield United vs Manchester City Predictions

• Rodri has had three or more shots in three of City’s first four games
• The Citizens have kept two clean sheets from two and have conceded the fewest Expected Goals Against
• Only Burnley – beaten 3-0 by City two weeks ago – have a lower xG in the league than the Blades

City await attacking additions

Manchester City have surprisingly found themselves in need of numbers going forward, with summer departures and injuries leaving them a little short at the back. The Citizens are without Kevin De Bruyne for a good chunk of the campaign, while Riyad Mahrez and Ilkay Gundogan have departed.

That’s hit City’s frontline, outside of the fact they have the most lethal finisher in the world. Behind Erling Haaland they are lacking a little depth, something the club appear to be out to fix in the final days of the transfer window. Adding Jeremy Doku has added to their wide options, while they’re chasing another attacking midfielder.

In the short term, City shouldn’t be short of firepower to see off Sheffield United, although we could see a slight tactical tweak for the visit to Bramall Lane.

Can Rodri cut through against Blades?

Last season saw Rodri fill a role as the holding midfielder as Gundogan raced forward to join City’s front four. Despite that, the Spaniard still popped up to make an impact at the other end of the pitch, including the goal that clinched the Champions League.

This term, Rodri is joined at the base of City’s midfield by Matteo Kovacic. The former Chelsea midfielder has plenty of good qualities, but scoring isn’t usually among them. He’s great in possession and his runs from deep can bust the opposition press, but the ex-Real Madrid midfielder has never really been a finisher.

Kovacic has inherited the holding role, offering a little more space for Rodri to get forward. The Spaniard had a goal and an assist against Burnley in their opener, while he set up their goal against Sevilla in the Super Cup. He’s hard at least three shots in three of City’s four games so far, only appearing more withdrawn in last weekend’s clash with Newcastle. The midfielder should have more freedom to roam against Sheffield United, which makes him a great anytime goalscorer alternative to 8/13 favourite Haaland.

Steely defence to thrive in Steel City

While Rodri can get forward, City should maintain their strong defensive start. The Citizens were seconds shy of a 1-0 win over Arsenal, while they’ve kept two clean sheets from two in the league. They picked up six wins to nil against the bottom 10 last term, while this summer has seen a real defensive upgrade with Josko Gvardiol joining.

City’s Expected Goals Against tally is just 0.6 after two games, showing that they’re restricting the quality of chances opposition sides have against them. Meanwhile, only Burnley – who have only played City in the Premier League so far – have a lower xG than Sheffield United this term.

The Blades have added some proven Championship talent to their frontline, a move which suggests they are ready to compete in the second tier next term if it comes to that. It’s hard to see how they damage a City side that appears to be more in control of games this season than last, which is ominous for the rest of the league. Given that, take City to win and keep a clean sheet in this visit to Sheffield.