Sheffield United host Brentford in the Championship tonight (March 12) hoping to keep up with the top two.
The Blades are currently one position and two points outside the automatic promotion places. Leeds United, in second, are also in action tonight as they travel to Reading.
Ahead of the game at Bramall Lane, United manager Chris Wilder has revealed his admiration for the Bees.
“They play in a way and they’ve stuck to it. They don’t change the way they play,” Wilder told the Sheffield Star.
“They’ve changed their shape a little bit but it’s still gifted, technical footballers who can move the ball around. We’re aware of the threats the possess.”
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Brentford have a clear recruitment structure and policy. It’s something the Blades have benefited from in recent years, signing Jack O’Connell and John Egan directly from Griffin Park.
“We fancy a lot of their players,” Wilder continued.
“There’s an obvious connection. John has been outstanding for us and he’s taken his game to another level. He has been a big player and will be a big player going forward. Jack’s performances have been outstanding as well.”
Who could be next?
Even if United are promoted this season, here are three Bees players who could be of interest.
(Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Neal Maupay
With 20 goals and seven assists this term Maupay is among the Championship’s most lethal attackers. The 22-year-old has hit the back of the net in the league on average every 142 minutes.
Romaine Sawyers
A creative midfielder, Sawyers was linked with some of the division’s biggest spenders in January. BT Sport reported Aston Villa and Middlesbrough were interested, while the Express and Star said West Bromwich Albion were in the hunt.
Ollie Watkins
An example of Brentford’s transfer policy, signed from Exeter City in 2017 and already has 22 goals in 82 appearances from the wing.
