Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder shouts out an instruction (Getty Images)
Sheffield United will look to close the gap to the top of the EFL Championship table when they face off against Rotherham United at the New York Stadium on Saturday.
The Blades currently sit fourth in the Championship table, with 30 points from 17 matches, just three points below leaders Norwich City. They have won just one of their last five matches, with their previous game before the international break against Sheffield Wednesday ending in a goalless draw.
And manager Chris Wilder will be aiming to get all three points against the Millers in their second derby game in two weeks on Saturday afternoon.
Summer signing John Egan picked up a calf injury while on international duty with the Republic of Ireland but is fit for the weekend game. There are no other injury and suspension concerns for Wilder heading into the weekend encounter.
Ahead of the Blades’ short trip to the New York Stadium, let’s take a look as to how Wilder might set his team up;
The 21-year-old goalkeeper, on loan from Manchester United, has become an integral part of Wilder’s team and is a definite starter between the sticks on Saturday.
The Englishman has played all but one of the Blades’ Championship fixtures this season. A mainstay at the back, he should be part of the team that starts against the Millers.
The summer arrival from Brentford has made a swift recovery from an injury he picked up during the international break. He will resume duties in the heart of the three-man backline for Sheffield United.
Completing the centre-back trio for the Blades against their Yorkshire rivals on the weekend should be 24-year-old, Jack O’Connell.
The Welshman has been in solid form for the Blades and should hold on to his slot as the right-sided wing-back for the short trip to the New York Stadium.
The midfielder was rewarded with his first international call-up for Scotland, having impressed for the club this season. He should look to continue in the same vein of form this weekend.
The creative outlet for the Blades from the middle of the park, 33-year-old Mark Duffy must look to add to his tally of 2 goals and 3 assists from 14 Championship games.
The third spot in the middle of the park for the Blades should be taken up by Oliver Norwood, who has been in exceptional form since moving to the club from Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer.
The Irishman has been a great outlet down the left-hand side for the Blades and has chipped in with four assists in 16 Championship outings. A certain starter on Saturday.
The 30-year-old striker missed a penalty in the derby before the international break and will look to make amends when he takes the field on Saturday.
The second-highest goalscorer in the competition with 10 goals, club captain Billy Sharp will be the Blades’ biggest goal threat against Rotherham.
