Predicted 3-5-2 Sheffield United XI to face Leeds United
Sheffield United will face off against promotion rivals Leeds United in the Yorkshire derby in the EFL Championship at the Bramall Lane on Saturday.
The Blades have slipped down to the fifth spot in the standings in recent weeks, but brought an end to their three-match winless run on Tuesday night, with a 3-2 victory over Brentford. Currently two points off of their weekend opponents who sit second in the table and three behind leaders Norwich City, Chris Wilder’s men must be aiming to get all three points and climb up the rungs on Saturday.
Team News
No injury or suspension worries for the Blades, as they go into the derby with a full squad.
Here’s how Wilder might set his team up against Leeds United at the Bramall Lane;
Manager: Chris Wilder
Formation: 3-5-2
Dean Henderson (GK)
The on-loan Manchester United goalkeeper has grown into an important player at the Bramall Lane and is a definite starter between the sticks on Saturday.
Chris Basham (CB)
The 30-year-old has missed just one of the Blades’ 19 Championship League games this term and has scored three times. Should hold on to his spot in defence.
John Egan (CB)
The summer arrival has established himself as a mainstay at the back for Wilder’s side and should feature from the get go at the heart of the defence.
Jack O’Connell (CB)
Completing the three-man backline for the home team against the Whites in the derby on Saturday will be Englishman Jack O’Connell.
Kieron Freeman (RWB)
The Welshman is a key outlet down the right-hand side for the Blades with his natural attacking instincts. Should once again start as the wing-back.
Mark Duffy (CM)
The creative spark for the Blades from the middle of the park, the 33-year-old did not start the last game but should return to the lineup for the weekend encounter.
John Fleck (CM)
The midfielder scored an own goal in the game against Brentford and will be looking to bounce back with a strong display against Marcelo Bielsa’s men on Saturday.
Oliver Norwood (CM)
The former Brighton & Hove Albion was on the scoresheet in the victory against Brentford. Should hold on to his spot in the centre of the pitch.
Billy Sharp (ST)
The club captain and leading goalscorer for the Blades, Sharp wasn’t part of the starting XI in the midweek encounter, but should return to the side on Saturday.
Leon Clarke (ST)
The last season’s third highest scorer in the Championship scored just his second goal of the 2018-19 term against Brentford, coming on from the bench. Should be rewarded with a starting berth for the derby.
