Sheffield United travel to Middlesbrough today to face off with former manager Chris Wilder as they look to get their second win of the season.
A win and a defeat in the league so far this term, as well as a 1-0 defeat in the League Cup has meant an inconsistent start to life in the Championship for United this term. However, having hammered Boro 4-1 at Bramall Lane towards the back end of last season, United will be confident heading to the Riverside.
Here, then, we’ve looked at the team news for United and how we could line up against ‘Boro.
Sheffield United Team News
Things are getting better on the injury front for United. Oli McBurnie played and scored for the 21s in midweek and he could be included off the bench if fit enough, after Stuart McCall gave him a rousing endorsement in midweek.
Billy Sharp could also start after returning to full fitness and running the Boro defence ragged alongside Morgan Gibbs-White last time out.
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There is, however, a worry over Ben Osborn. He has picked up a hamstring injury and could miss out on the squad altogether. That could open the door for Chris Basham to return to proceedings, though.
Up top, Rhian Brewster may drop back to the bench, while McBurnie’s return might see Daniel Jebbison miss out altogether. In midfield, John Fleck is likely to come back in alongside Ollie Norwood, with Sander Berge in his usual attacking role.
Predicted XI
We think Sharp’s performance last time out against Boro and the lack of goals so far from strikers – barring Ndiaye – could lead to him starting. We’d also like to see McBurnie back among the squad.
It would also be nice to see Berge deeper alongside Norwood with McAtee or Khadra in. However, Heckingbottom is still building those two up, so we are likely to see Fleck return.
The back five, as things stand, pretty much picks itself.
