Sheffield United vs Newcastle LIVE: Result and reaction from Premier League fixture tonight

Follow all the action as Chris Wilder’s side attempt to build on their first win of the season

(POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Follow all the action as Sheffield United welcome Newcastle to Bramall Lane in the Premier League this evening. 

Chris Wilder’s beleaguered side finally secured their first victory this season against Bristol Rovers in the FA Cup last weekend and the Blades will be desperate to kickstart what would by now be a miraculous escape from relegation. United have taken just two points from their opening 17 matches, an astonishingly low total, particularly after their high-flying exploits last season. To pick up points, their priority must be to drastically improve their output up front, with just eight goals scored in the league all season.

Newcastle, meanwhile, are attempting to escape a negative spiral of their own, having gone seven games without a victory in all competitions. Frustrations continue to grow over Steve Bruce’s cautious tactics, but the manager has promised his side will offer more in the way of attacking adventure tonight. Despite being chalked off as another loss, the Magpies were bitterly unlucky against Arsenal in the FA Cup last time out. Andy Carroll spurned two magnificent chances in normal time before the Gunners went on to snatch victory in extra-time. Follow all the action live below:

• Wilder hoping firs twin can revive season
• Newcastle need new direction to escape spiral

Sheffield United vs Newcastle

• SHU: Ramsdale, Basham, Egan, Ampadu, Bogle, Lundstram, Norwood, Fleck, Osborn, McGoldrick, Burke 
• NEW: Darlow, Yedlin, Clark, Fernandez, Schar, Dummett, Hendrick, Hayden, Sean Longstaff, Fraser, Wilson

[12 January 2021 17:17 · Callum Rice-Coates]

It seems like every Sheffield United game for the last two months has been described as 'must win', but things are becoming drastic for Chris Wilder's side. With just two points from 17 games, safety looks an unattainable goal. Instead, the aim will be to avoid a humiliating record low points total.

Newcastle are in a better place than their hosts, though things are hardly rosy for Steve Bruce and his players. The style of football - drab and unambitious - remains a constant criticism, and there are few signs of that changing. Relegation is not out of the question either, with 18th-placed Fulham just eight points behind the Magpies (but with a game in hand). Anything but a win at Bramall Lane will add to the pressure on Bruce. 

(POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

[12 January 2021 17:10 · Callum Rice-Coates]

TONIGHT’S GAMES

[12 January 2021 17:05 · Callum Rice-Coates]

TEAM NEWS

Just the one change for Sheffield United after their 3-2 FA Cup win over Bristol Rovers. Oliver Burke comes in for Lys Mousset.

Newcastle make six changes, the most notable of which is the welcome return of Callum Wilson.

[12 January 2021 17:00 · Callum Rice-Coates]

TEAM NEWS

[12 January 2021 14:22 · Callum Rice-Coates]

SHEFFIELD UNITED HOST SPIRALLING NEWCASTLE

Welcome to The Independent’s live coverage as Sheffield United aim to build on their first victory of the season when they welcome Newcastle to Bramall Lane tonight.