Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder shouts out an instruction (Getty Images)
Sheffield United will go head to head against fellow promotion hopefuls West Bromwich Albion at Bramall Lane on Friday night in the EFL Championship.
The Blades moved to the third place in the league table, following their 2-0 win over Reading at the Madejski Stadium last weekend. They are still five points off second-placed Leeds United and will be aiming to reduce that gap with a victory against the Baggies this weekend.
Last season’s top scorer Leon Clarke missed the game against Reading with an injury and is undergoing intensive recovery. But Friday night’s fixture might come a little too soon for the 33-year-old. No other injuries or suspension worries for manager Chris Wilder.
Here’s how the Blades could take the field against Darren Moore’s side on Friday;
The on-loan Manchester United goalkeeper has established himself as a key member of this Blades’ outfit. A definite starter in the goal.
The 30-year-old Englishman has missed just one game in the second division this term, owing to suspension. A guaranteed starter in the three-man backline when fit and available.
The summer signing has become an integral part of Wilder’s setup since arriving from Brentford. Should continue to feature in the defence against the Baggies.
Completing the three-man defence for the Blades against West Brom will be 24-year-old Jack O’Connell, who has featured in all 21 of their Championship fixtures.
The 25-year-old has been preferred over Kieron Freeman in the right-sided wing-back slot for the last two fixtures. That is unlikely to change when the Baggies come visiting.
The 33-year-old is the man who provides the creative spark in the middle of the park for Wilder’s team. Having not started in the win against Reading, he should be reinstated to the playing XI on Friday night.
The Scotland international has chipped in with a goal and an assist from 20 league appearances in the 2018-19 term. Should hold on to his spot in the centre of the park for Sheffield United.
The 27-year-old has been an influential presence in the midfield for the Blades, having scored twice and set up four more goals so far this term. Should feature from the kick off against Darren Moore’s side.
The Irishman is the undisputed first-choice as the left wing-back for Sheffield United and that is unlikely to change for the game against West Brom.
The summer signing from Ipswich Town has scored five times and set up one more in his 21 appearances for the Blades in the 2018/19 term. With Clarke likely to be unavailable, he should hold on to his spot in the starting XI.
The club captain came on from the bench and opened the scoring for Sheffield United against Reading last weekend, to take his tally for the season to 12 goals in all competitions. Should return to the line-up at the expense of Conor Washington.
