Blades manager, Chris Wilder, has acknowledged that changes might need to be made to his first XI in the coming weeks.
Chris Wilder has aknowledged he might need to change his team in the coming weeks. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
The Sheffield United boss has been content with the same starting XI for much of the season. Apart from John Egan missing the Man United game, Wilder has gone with the same back five all season. The midfield three has been the same barring a small injury to John Fleck, too.
Up front, Wilder appears to have settled on David McGoldrick and Lys Mousset.
However, speaking to James Shield of the Sheffield Star, Wilder warned that his other players – especially his strikers – need to be ready.
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“The likes of Oli, Callum and Billy and all of the other boys have got to be ready to go in terms of injuries and suspensions,” Wilder said.
“Like I say, this is a huge part of the season and every single game is massive. But we are looking at this current period, to see if we can keep picking up points and keep our run going. Then we’re into the New Year and that goes super quick.”
The Blades remain unbeaten away from home following their draw with Wolves at the weekend. They return to action on Thursday against Newcastle United at Bramall Lane, before making a trip to Norwich on Sunday.
Why Wilder might be forced into making changes
As well as the busy schedule of the Premier League and managing minutes and fitness of players, there’s also suspensions that could kick in.
Indeed, George Baldock, John Lundstram, and John Fleck are all just one yellow away from missing a game. They’ll have to navigate their way to the Boxing Day match with Watford without caution if they are to avoid suspension.
With that, the likes of Mo Besic, Luke Freeman, Ben Osborn, and the aforementioned strikers will need to be raring to go.
Ben Osborn has struggled for minutes but might get a chance in December. (Photo by Rachel Holborn – BRFC/Getty Images)
Freeman stepped in admirably for Fleck earlier in the season. Besic has been unlucky but has come on a couple of times this season. Osborn, meanwhile, has struggled for minutes but is thought to be pushing hard in training.
There has been no mention of Ravel Morrison, however. The former Man United man might well find himself frustrated throughout the season if things continue as is.
Regardless of what happens, Chris Wilder will expect his Blades fringe players to be ready if he does need to ring the changes.
