It’s back to Bramall Lane for Sheffield United and Slavisa Jokanovic this weekend, as the Blades welcome Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield Town to S2.
Fresh off the back of a 4-0 mauling at West Brom, United will be keen to get their season up and running. With no goals scored all season, and just one shot on target all night against Albion, there are worrying trends creeping into performances.
However, Chris Basham admitted there’d been quite the inquest at The Hawthorns, and believes the Blades are ready to go today.
We’ve got all the team news, predicted XI’s and more for you, here.
Team News
United don’t have any new injuries to worry about so Jokanovic can pick from the same group of players from midweek. Aaron Ramsdale has left, and the Blade boss has confirmed that Wes Foderingham will start today.
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At the back, Ben Davies could make his debut. Rhys Norrington-Davies might also be involved, depending on the system. Jayden Bogle, too, could well be pushing George Baldock.
In midfield, Jokanovic faces some big decisions. The flat three in midweek was nothing short of abysmal. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see any of Norwood, Fleck, or Berge not play today.
Finally, up top, David McGoldrick had a shocker at Albion and should be dropped for McBurnie or Brewster. Billy Sharp did ok in patches, but again, could find himself out of the picture. Young Daniel Jebbison might well be pushing for at least a bench place.
Head to head
Today will be the 106th meeting between the Yorkshire duo. Interestingly, Huddersfield hold the upper hand by quite some margin.
Town have won 41 games to United’s 29, with 35 draws sandwiched in between. In the last two seasons, the spoils have been shared, with a win apiece each season.
United haven’t seen Huddersfield since that fateful day at Wembley in 2012.
Some say Steve Simonsen’s penalty is still on its way back down. But, the less said about the better, eh?
Predicted Sheffield United XI
There is no way Jokanovic cannot make changes today. Foderingham is one confirmed, and Ben Davies will surely start. There has to be something different in midfield, while up top, others need a chance now.
Here’s what we would go with, if we we were in Jokanovic’s shoes.
Score prediction
As strange as it sounds, this feels like a must win game today. And we think the Blades can do it. Getting the first goal could be crucial, but if we do, then it will set us on our way.
Sheffield United 2-0 Huddersfield Town