Burnley F.C. vs Sheffield United matches represent one of the more balanced rivalries in English football, with both teams trading victories across multiple competitions over many decades.
The head-to-head record between these two northern clubs shows an incredibly tight contest, with Sheffield United historically winning 33 matches to Burnley’s 32, along with 10 draws according to one comprehensive dataset. This rivalry has produced memorable encounters across the Premier League, Championship, and various cup competitions, showcasing the competitive spirit between these two traditional English clubs.
A balanced historical record
The historical balance between these teams makes their encounters particularly intriguing for football fans. In their 75 recorded meetings, the goal difference is remarkably close, with Burnley scoring 114 goals (averaging 2.07 per game) compared to Sheffield United’s 108 goals (averaging 1.89 per game). More recent history shows Burnley holding a slight advantage, winning 9 of the last 15 meetings, while Sheffield United has claimed 3 victories, with the remaining 3 matches ending in draws.
When examining their most recent 29 encounters, Burnley has established a more definitive edge with 14 victories. This slight superiority in recent decades has tilted what was historically an extremely balanced rivalry slightly in Burnley’s favor, though Sheffield United’s historical record ensures this remains a closely contested fixture whenever these teams meet.
Recent Premier League encounters
The Premier League era has produced some particularly memorable matches between these sides. On November 2, 2019, Sheffield United delivered an emphatic 3-0 home victory against Burnley, demonstrating their quality during their impressive return to the top flight. The teams then played out a 1-1 draw on July 5, 2020, during the pandemic-affected season that saw matches played behind closed doors.
December 29, 2020 saw Burnley secure a tight 1-0 home win against the Blades, while Sheffield United managed to claim a 1-0 victory of their own on May 23, 2021. Most recently, Burnley delivered their most dominant performance in this fixture’s history with a resounding 5-0 home victory on December 2, 2023, highlighting the sometimes unpredictable nature of this rivalry despite their typically close contests.
Championship battles and promotion campaigns
Some of the most significant matches between these sides have come in the Championship, particularly during promotion campaigns. The 2008-2009 season featured two crucial encounters, with Burnley winning both by a 1-0 scoreline. The second of these victories came in the Championship Play-Offs on May 25, 2009, a resuilt that helped propel Burnley toward Premier League promotion.
The Championship has also produced some high-scoring affairs between these teams. On October 16, 2010, fans were treated to a thrilling 3-3 draw, while just months later on January 1, 2011, Burnley secured an impressive 4-2 home victory. More recently, Sheffield United demonstrated their attacking prowess with a commanding 5-2 win on November 5, 2022, before Burnley responded with a 2-0 home victory on April 10, 2023, during their successful Championship-winning campaign.
Match statistics and notable performances
| Competition | Matches Played | Burnley Wins | Sheffield United Wins | Draws | Burnley Goals | Sheffield United Goals |
|————-|—————-|————–|———————-|——-|—————|————————|
| All Competitions | 75 | 32 | 33 | 10 | 114 | 108 |
| Recent 15 Matches | 15 | 9 | 3 | 3 | 29 | 17 |
The goal-scoring record between these teams reflects their attacking capabilities throughout their rivalry. Burnley’s 5-0 victory in December 2023 represents their largest margin of victory in this fixture, while Sheffield United’s 5-2 win in November 2022 showcased their own offensive firepower. The 3-3 draw in October 2010 stands as one of the highest-scoring encounters between these sides, demonstrating that despite their defensive reputations at times, both teams are capable of producing entertaining, goal-filled matches.
With their next scheduled meeting set for April 21, 2025, fans of both clubs will be eagerly anticipating another chapter in this closely contested rivalry that continues to deliver memorable football moments across England’s top divisions.