Sheffield United take on Brighton & Hove Albion at Bramall Lane on Saturday, as the Blades look to keep pace in the fight for Champions League football.

Brighton's focus is at the other end of the division, and Graham Potter's side will know how valuable a win could be in their battle to remain in the Premier League.

Match preview

With the Premier League's inaugural winter break complete, both of these sides return to action on Saturday for the first time in two weeks.

Sheffield United won their final match before the break against Bournemouth, with a 2-1 victory ensuring they are still in the fight for the top four places.

Just two points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea, Chris Wilder's side can begin to dream of an unlikely finish to the season but will need to ensure there are no slip ups against teams towards the bottom of the league like Brighton.

With just one league defeat in their last five matches, the Blades are showing no sign of faltering though and they have won three of their last four home matches.

Wilder's team also came out on the winning side the last time these two sides met, with an Oli McBurnie first half goal the difference.

Brighton are starting to look over their shoulder right now, with a run of six Premier League matches without a win drawing them back towards danger.

Potter made a strong start to life as Seagulls coach but will now be judged on how he and his team can respond to a period of adversity.

Since an impressive away win over Arsenal in early December, Brighton have won just once in all competitions and have kept just one clean sheet.

The Sussex club's away form has also been particularly poor, with Brighton managing just two wins all season away from the Amex Stadium.

Sheffield United Premier League form: LWDLWW
Sheffield United form (all competitions): WDLWWW

Brighton Premier League form: DLDLDD
Brighton form (all competitions): LLDLDD

Team News

The Blades currently have no injury concerns, with Wilder likely to have a full squad to choose from.

John Lundstram and Chris Basham are one yellow card away from suspensions though, having picked up four already this season.

Brighton will be without Colombian winger Jose Izquierdo, with the flyer still struggling due to a knee injury.

The 27-year-old has not appeared all season and it is hoped that he could return next month.

Elsewhere, Alexis Mac Allister is still lacking match sharpness, while Dale Stephens faces a late fitness test.

Sheffield United possible starting lineup:
Henderson; Baldock, Basham, Egan, O'Connell, Stevens; Berge, Norwood, Fleck; McGoldrick, McBurnie

Brighton possible starting lineup:
Ryan; Schelotto, Duffy, Dunk, Burn; Propper, Mooy; March, Gross, Trossard; Murray

We say: Sheffield United 1-0 Brighton

The Blades have been a formidable opponent for most Premier League sides this season and given their form in comparison to Brighton's, they should come out winners in this match. With the game likely to be tight, expect just one goal to separate the teams.