Newcastle United are putting in the final preparations for the penultimate game of their Premier League campaign against bottom of the league Sheffield United.
Steve Bruce's side will welcome fans back through the turnstiles for the first time in over a year at St James' Park in what will hopefully turn out to be a welcome return.
However, the result may quickly change the mood if it were to go against Newcastle and the Blades won't go down without a fight. Last time out, they beat Europa League chasers Everton by a goal to nil.
The odds will be stacked against the Blades this evening with just six wins to their name this season while Newcastle's form has picked up over the last month with just two defeats in 10.
Here's a look back on the last five meetings between the two sides and what it tells us.
SHEFFIELD UNITED 1-0 NEWCASTLE UNITED (Tuesday 12th January 2021)
A Billy Sharp penalty was the difference between the two sides earlier in the season as the Blades bagged their first win of the season at the 18th attempt.
The Magpies had Ryan Fraser sent off just before half time as the defeat brought Newcastle closer to the relegation zone.
The win was Sheffield United's first against Newcastle in just over 14 years.
Fans were quick to wise up to the fact they were in the midst of a fight for survival and this result cemented their position in the lower ends of the table as the pressure piled on Steve Bruce.
NEWCASTLE UNITED 3-0 SHEFFIELD UNITED (Sunday 21st June 2020)
Goals from Allan Saint-Maximan, Matt Rithie and Joelinton swept aside the 10-man Blades at St James Park who had John Egan sent off.
The game was played in front of an empty stadium as the Premier League restarted in the summer after the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
After the game, Steve Bruce was convinced that Newcastle hadn't sealed Premier League safety just yet after, although they moved nine points above the bottom three with eight games remaining.
The victory completed the double over Chris Wilder's side that season, which was seen as something of a surprise at the time, as they sat in 7th place at the time chasing a Europa League spot.
A lot can change in a season.
SHEFFIELD UNITED 0-2 NEWCASTLE UNITED (Thursday 5th December 2020)
The aforementioned double was set up with a comprehensive victory on a chilly December evening.
Saint-Maximan was on the scoresheet once again whilst Jonjo Shelvey provided the killer blow just 20 minutes from the final whistle.
Martin Dubravka put in a man of the match performance as Newcastle climbed to the lofty heights of 11th place in the table, level on points with Sheffield United at the time.
NEWCASTLE UNITED 2-1 SHEFFIELD UNITED (Monday 5th April 2010)
In a Championship encounter, a stunning Kevin Nolan volley stole the show at St James Park as the promotion party was in full swing on Tyneside.
Nottingham Forest's draw earlier in the day ensured that Newcastle had made their immediate return to the top flight.
Richard Cressewell nodded the Blades in front but the Magpies pulled one back through Peter Lovenkrands penalty.
Nolan's goal sent the fans into ecstacy as the fans, undoubtedly, partied long into the night.
SHEFFIELD UNITED 0-1 NEWCASTLE UNITED (Monday 2nd November 2009)
Chris Morgan's own goal handed Newcastle the three points as they climbed back to the top of the Championship table.
At the time, Sheffiled United had suffered a fourth defeat in a row as their push for promotion was dealt a blow.
Chris Hughton was only just handed a permanent contract as Newcastle United's manager in the build up to the game. He'd eventually go on to secure promotion back to the top flight.
The victory kick started a run of games which has seen Newcastle win four of their last five meetings with Sheffield United.
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