Sheffield United will be feeling the pressure ahead of the clash, as many teams are aiming to take their place in the play-offs with just six games remaining for most Championship sides. The Blades in sixth place are currently only ahead of Middlesbrough and Blackburn Rovers by two points, with Boro having a game in hand.
AFC Bournemouth, however, will be seeking to cement their place in the automatic promotion places with a victory. The Cherries currently sit in second place behind league leaders Fulham and ahead of third-placed Huddersfield Town.
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Team news
Sheffield United
Paul Heckingbottom confirmed that Oli McBurnie and Filip Uremovic have trained lightly and should be available for Saturday. Whilst Rhian Brewster, David McGoldrick, Jayden Bogle, Jack O’Connell, Charlie Goode, Chris Basham and Billy Sharp all remain absent due to injury.
Bournemouth
Robbie Brady, Junior Stanislas and Kieffer Moore are all doubts for Scott Parker’s side. The Cherries could also be without star striker Dominic Solanke as the forward was seen limping off in his side's defeat to West Bromwich Albion following a challenge by Kyle Bartley.
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Predicted lineups
Sheffield United (3-5-2)
Fodderingham, Davies, Egan, Uremovic, Stevens, Fleck, Norwood, Berge, Baldock, McBurnie, Gibbs-White
Bournemouth (4-3-3)
Travers, Zemura, Kelly, Phillips, Smith, Cantwell, Cook, Lerma, Dembele, Solanke, Christie
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Form guide
Sheffield United – LDWLW
The Blades' inconsistency recently sees them fighting to remain in the play-off places, however, a 1-0 victory in their last match against Queens Park Rangers has helped to keep them in sixth place.
Bournemouth – WDWWL
Parker’s side were four games unbeaten before losing 2-0 against West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday night. The defeat has not dented the Cherries' ambitions for automatic promotion, however, as the side are currently six points clear of third-placed Huddersfield Town having played two games less than the Terriers.
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Ones to watch
The Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee has made a real impact for the Blades having contributed 16 times in the Championship so far this season. Averaging a 7.10 match rating, the versatile Englishman has become a reliable figure for United, especially as they aim to regain promotion back to the Premier League. Morgan Gibbs-White also scored in the last meeting against Bournemouth when the sides met in the reverse fixture at the Vitality Stadium.
If Solanke is fit for the match, he could definitely be a massive threat for the Sheffield United defence. Having scored 24 league goals for the Cherries this season, the former Chelsea man is enjoying the best season of his career. Solanke is currently the second-highest scorer in the Championship behind Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic. The Cherries forward also scored in the reverse fixture to win the game for his side as he converted from the penalty spot.
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Previous meetings
Despite not having many previous meetings in recent years, Sheffield United have been the more successful of the two sides when they have faced each other. Although it was Bournemouth who came out on top in the last meeting as they beat the Blades 2-1.
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How to watch
The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event. Coverage will start at 12:00 GMT with kick-off scheduled for 12:45 GMT. Highlights will be available on Quest at 21:00 GMT and the following day via social media.