Sheffield United are expected to be boosted by the return of new signing Anel Ahmedhodzic, head of this weekends first home fixture of the 2022/23 Championship campaign at home to Millwall tomorrow (kick-off; 3:00 PM).
The Bosnian defender was suspended for the opening day clash at Watford and is expected to make his debut against Millwall tomorrow.
The Blades suffered an opening day defeat of the third consecutive season on Monday night. After losing at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020, and Birmingham City in 2021, United lost 1-0 to Watford at Vicarage Road, allowing a second-half breakaway goal.
United completed the seasons-long loan signing of Manchester City midfielder James McAtee yesterday, and the 19 year-old could make his debut against Millwall tomorrow. However, Paul Heckingbottom is expected to be without midfielder Tommy Doyle (thigh), who is also on-loan from Manchester City, as well as keeper Adam Davies, defenders Jayden Bogle, Jack O’Connell, and Jack Robinson – all side-lined through knee injuries.
Last season (2021/22), Millwall completed the double over Sheffield United, having lost the corresponding fixture at Bramall Lane 2-1, and 1-0, on 26th February, at The New Den. The defeat in London came as a huge disappointment and a slight blow to the Blades promotion push. Jake Cooper’s goal on 61 minutes was the first goal that United stopper Wes Foderingham had conceded in 540 minutes of consecutive football.
The last time that the Blades were victorious over the Lions was in the FA Cup on 25th January 2020. The Blades were in the Premier League having celebrated promotion the previous season, whilst hosts Millwall, were in the Championship. Despite the score being goalless at the break, United scored two second-half goals, with a beautiful strike from on-loan Everton midfielder Mo Besic on 62 minutes whilst Oliver Norwood finished six minutes from time without reply to win the game 2-0. Chris Wilder’s Blades had beaten non-league AFC Fylde to reach round four and following their victory in London secured victory against Reading (2-1 aet), before being eliminated at home to Arsenal (2-1), in the Quarter-Final stage.
Highlights | Millwall 1-0 Sheffield United – YouTube
Millwall got off to a good start on the opening day of the 2022/23 Championship season last weekend, as two goals from debutant Charlie Cresswell helped defeat Stoke City 2-0, however, they were swiftly dumped out of the Carabao Cup last Tuesday night in a 1-0 defeat at League One Cambridge United in the first round.
The defeat at the Abbey Stadium came at a cost as midfielder George Honeyman was dismissed following two yellow cards and will be unavailable for selection due to a one-match ban. He should be available for selection in their next game at home to Coventry City next weekend.
Last Six Meetings
14.04.2018 – Sheffield United 1-1 Millwall (Championship)
29.09.2018 – Millwall 2-3 Sheffield United (Championship)
13.04.2019 – Sheffield United 1-1 Millwall (Championship)
25.01.2020 – Millwall 0-2 Sheffield United (FA Cup Round 4)
19.10.2021 – Sheffield United 1-2 Millwall (Championship)
26.02.2022 – Millwall 1-0 Sheffield United (Championship)