Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has praised the “interesting tactics” of Sheffield United.
The two sides meet at Bramall Lane at 3pm tomorrow in their first Premier League match back after the international break.
The Blades return home on the back of morale-boosting 2-2 draw at Chelsea. Hasenhuttl’s side, meanwhile, held Manchester United 1-1 in their last outing.
“They are an interesting opponent. They have made a good start in the Premier League and their last result against Chelsea was a massive point,” the Austrian told the Daily Echo.
“Stamford Bridge isn’t an easy place to take points, but they have done a good job so far.
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“They have interesting tactics, good habits and good optimism I think.
“They have a good mentality in their team and the atmosphere in the stadium will be hard to play against.
“We are also prepared, and we want to go there and, like in Brighton, be brave. We want to press them early and try to win the balls earlier.”
What Sheffield United can expect from Southampton
(Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
Both Chris Wilder and Hasenhuttl have clear tactical ideas and formations that they like to use. This season, Wilder has slightly adapted his 3-4-1-2 system to play 3-5-2.
One of his most innovative tactics is the use of the overlapping centre-backs. While this hasn’t been on display too often this term, playing the Saints at home could be the perfect time to utilise it.
Hasenhuttl has introduced a 4-2-2-2 at St Mary’s that served him so well in his previous managerial role at RB Leipzig.
It is a much more narrow approach than the traditional 4-4-2 many are used to seeing in England. The midfield operate in more of a box shape, with the previously recognised wingers now becoming more narrow attacking midfielders.
Tomorrow’s match in south Yorkshire will be an interesting battle of these two tactical minds.
