Your guide to Sheffield United's Premier League clash with Aston Villa

Twelve months on and the roles have been reversed, with Chris Wilder’s side heading for relegation and this evening’s visitors to Bramall Lane comfortably positioned in mid-table and only four points outside the top six.

James Shield, The Star’s United writer, analyses some of the key figures set to be involved in the 27th match of what has been a difficult campaign for the club and takes a look at the form guide.

The Teams: United - Ramsdale, Baldock, Stevens, Ampadu, Jagielka, Bryan, Norwood, Fleck, Lundstram, Brewster, Burke. Villa - Martinez, Konsa, Mings, Target, Elmohamady, Ramsey, McGinn, Nakamba, Watkins, Traore, El Ghazi.

The Referee: Robert Jones, from Merseyside, took charge of United’s FA Cup win over Bristol City last month, dismissing the visiting player Alfie Mawson in the second half. Averaging 2.14 cautions per game this term, that was his first red card since April 2019. Graham Scott, who sent-off John Egan during United’s defeat at Villa Park in September, is the VAR.

The Form Guide: United have lost their last three outings, failing to score in any of those fixtures against West Ham, Fulham and Liverpool and conceding xix goals in the process. Villa arrive in South Yorkshire having won four of their last eight and on the back of a win over Leeds.

The History Lesson: United were beaten 1-0 in the West Midlands at the beginning of the campaign, missing a penalty following Egan’s red card before Ezri Konsa headed home the winner in the 63rd minute. United entered that fixture unbeaten in their last four meetings with Villa. However, in total, Dean Smith’s side have won 64 of their previous 137 clashes between these two clubs, compared to United’s total of 40 with 33 ending all square. The last draw at Bramall Lane came in December 2006.

The Details: United versus Villa, kick-off 6pm. Pre match, in game and post match analysis is available via The Star both online and in print.

An important message: Thank you for reading this article, one of dozens we publish every single day to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative coverage of YOUR club. This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to from the football team at The Star, please consider taking out a subscription to our new discounted sports-only package. You'll find all the details at https://www.thestar.co.uk/subscriptions/sports. Your support is much appreciated.