Michael Owen makes bold prediction for Brighton at Sheffield United

Michael Owen is upbeat for Brighton's chances at Sheffield United this afternoon

Former Liverpool and England striker Michael Owen feels Brighton could have too much for already relegated Sheffield United at Bramall Lane this afternoon

Brighton are seven points above the drop zone and a positive result at the Blades would all but secure their Premier League status for another season.

Brighton defender Ben White will serve a one-match suspension following his red card in the midweek draw at Chelsea.

Forward Percy Tau could return to the squad after being absent at Stamford Bridge due to a tight hamstring.

Tariq Lamptey (hamstring) and Solly March (knee) remain out.

But Owen still feels Albion's defensive strength and slick football should see them to victory

"With Sheffield United’s season all but over, this match must present itself as an opportunity for Brighton to gain maximum points," writes Owen in his Bet Victor predictions blog.

"The Seagulls points tally isn’t a true reflection of their performances this season, as they have put in plenty of decent performances, only to come away with nothing.

"With the addition of a striker over the summer, they could do a lot better next term.

"What’s more, they’ve kept eight clean sheets in 2021. Only Chelsea and Manchester City (both 10) have kept more in the Premier League this year.

"So, all in all, the Seagulls should have enough here. It’s 2-0 to the visitors for me."

Sheffield United interim boss Paul Heckingbottom expects to pick from the same squad for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Brighton.

Sander Berge is stepping up his training after spending four months out with a hamstring injury and should feature before the end of the season, while Jack Robinson has also returned to training.

Oli McBurnie (foot), Billy Sharp (thigh), Jack O’Connell (knee) and Chris Basham (leg) all remain sidelined.

Sheffield United provisional squad: Ramsdale, Foderingham, Baldock, Stevens, Lowe, Jagielka, Bryan, Bogle, Ampadu, Fleck, Lundstram, Norwood, Osborn, Ndiaye, Mousset, Burke, McGoldrick, Brewster.

Brighton provisional squad: Sanchez, Steele, Webster, Dunk, Burn, Veltman, Karbownik, Moder, Propper, Bissouma, Mac Allister, Gross, Lallana, Caicedo, Alzate, Trossard, Jahanbakhsh, Izquierdo, Welbeck, Maupay, Zeqiri, Connolly, Tau.