Bournemouth missed the chance to maintain their two-point lead at the top of the table as they were forced to share the spoils in a goalless draw against Peterborough United at London Road on Wednesday night.
The Cherries have now failed to score in two of their last three away games, however they are one of only three English clubs in the football league, along with Championship leaders West Bromwich Albion and Premier League table toppers Liverpool, who remain unbeaten this season.
That record, however, could be under threat this weekend as they face a Sheffield United side who they have failed to beat in each of their last 10 meetings. Bournemouth have also never won on home soil against the Blades in their history.
Scott Parker has urged his side to be more clinical in front of goal following their midweek stalemate, but considering the Cherries have scored 11 goals in five home matches so far this campaign, as well as boasting the best defensive record in the Championship, Saturday’s hosts will be confident of returning to winning ways in front of their supporters.
Sheffield United’s unbeaten league run of five matches came to an end on Tuesday night, when they were defeated 2-0 by Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium.
Despite controlling 66% of possession, first-half strikes from Boro pair Duncan Watmore and Paddy McNair condemned the visitors to their first league defeat since losing against Huddersfield Town on August 21.
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Slavisa Jokanovic’s men missed the chance to climb into the top half of the table and have instead dropped down to 13th place, four points above the relegation zone and six points behind the playoffs.
The Blades have won only three of their opening 10 league games this term, against Peterborough, Hull City and Derby County, who are all currently positioned in the relegation zone.
Sheffield United’s promotion hopes remain alive for now, given they are less than a third of the way through the season, but if they are to climb towards the top end of the table then their form against the stronger teams needs to improve quickly
