Sheffield United will line up against Newcastle United at Bramall Lane today still in search of their first win of the season.
The Blades have twice come close to beating two of the big six in Tottenham and Man City, and took a hard-earned point against Everton last time out at Bramall Lane.
With Newcastle now the visitors, United know it’s another tough day at the office but Paul Heckingbottom will be confident his team can put on a good showing in front of the home fans.
With that, Hecky has some big selection calls to make.
Team News
The Blades are definitely without Oli McBurnie. The striker was sent off at Tottenham and McBurnie will be a massive loss for Heckingbottom’s plans today.
In defence, John Egan is back fit and should come straight back into the starting XI in place of Chris Basham.
Further forward, John Fleck is back training after a broken leg but is nowhere near ready. James McAtee could be in line for a home debut since making his move back to Bramall Lane.
Up front, Heckingbottom faces a tricky task in getting the balance right. It’s unknown if Will Osula is back ready to play, so it’s likely to be Cameron Archer up top with McAtee and one more around him.
Rhian Brewster has been back in full training but whether or not this is a game too soon for the former Liverpool man, remains to be seen. Benie Traore is also pushing for minutes after being on the bench in recent weeks.
Predicted Sheffield United Line Up v Newcastle
We think Heckingbottom will go with Archer as the striker with McAtee and possibly Gus Hamer pushed further forward alongside him.
That will leave Norwood in the midfield with Souza, while the wing-backs of Thomas and Bogle will be tasked with helping build and sustain attacks.
Here, then, is how we see United lining up v Newcastle today.
