Sheffield United hosts Leeds United in the early Championship kickoff on Saturday.
With only two points and three places separating the Blades and their second-placed opponents, this is a highly anticipated clash.
Following successive draws United got back to winning ways on Tuesday against Brentford. Leeds also won midweek, their second victory on the bounce.
The visitors to Bramall Lane are under the guidance of Marcelo Bielsa, one of the great modern tactical visionaries.
Bielsa has influenced high profile coaches from Pep Guardiola to Mauricio Pochettino. Yet the Argentine has admitted that Chris Wilder is one of the few managers he has studied since arriving in England.
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So how will Wilder lineup his side to outthink Bielsa?
Sheffield United predicted team
Dean Henderson made a rare error for Brentford’s first goal but the goalkeeper has generally been excellent this season.
Ahead of him a central defence of Chris Basham, John Egan and Jack O’Connell are forming a great understanding. In fact it is Wilder’s overlapping centre-backs which are likely to have caught the eye of the unconventional Bielsa.
There is every chance George Baldock would have replaced Kieron Freeman at right wing-back on Tuesday if not struck down by a late injury. Now fully fit that change could well happen.
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On the other side Enda Stevens should retain his place, while Oliver Norwood and John Fleck will most likely continue their partnership in central midfield.
Wilder praised John Lundstram for his role in the win at Griffin Park, but it would be a surprise if Mark Duffy didn’t come back in to replace him.
Finally, upfront there are some big decisions to make. Leon Clarke coming off the bench to score the winner against Brentford should see him get the nod ahead of David McGoldrick. While as impressive as Conor Washington was, captain Billy Sharp should also be recalled.
GK – Dean Henderson
RCB – Chris Basham
CB – John Egan
LCB – Jack O’Connell
RWB – George Baldock
RCM – Oliver Norwood
LCM – John Fleck
LWB – Enda Stevens
CAM – Mark Duffy
RS – Leon Clarke
LS – Billy Sharp
