Opposition dangerman: Sheffield United (A)
Crystal Palace travel to Yorkshire this Sunday, where newly-promoted Sheffield United await at Bramhall Lane in a match which will involve both sides battling for their inaugural wins of the 2019-20 season.
The Eagles played out a 0-0 stalemate with Everton at Selhurst Park last time out, whilst a late Billy Sharp equaliser to make it 1-1 earnt United their first point as a returning Premier League club at AFC Bournemouth.
Roy Hodgson certainly has his only threats – the likes of Wilfried Zaha, Andros Townsend and Patrick van Aanholt to name a few – but Sharp is firmly the man Palace must focus on this weekend.
BILLY SHARP – DANGERMAN
Questions were initially raised about whether United’s “living legend” – as commentary put it last time out – had it in him to make an impact in the Premier League; those questions were vanquished instantly.
His bundled striker’s finish in the dying embers at the Vitality made it clear that he’s eyeing another high tally of goals this season, following his notable exploits netting 24 times in the Championship last term.
It’ll be the Blades first home game as a top-flight club again this weekend and every single individual representing the club will be giving it their all – whether they’ll be on the pitch, touchline or in the stands.
For a 33-year-old, Sharp is dangerously quick and may have a field day against the likely centre-back pairing of Gary Cahill and Martin Kelly; you’d hope their physicality will ultimately prevail though.
United are not a team to take lightly while Sharp is leading the line.