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Blades Face Toughest Test This Season

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Sheffield United have made an impressive start to the 2024-25 season and are currently on track for a swift return to the Premier League should their form continue. After a week’s absence due to international fixtures the Blades next travel to Yorkshire rivals Leeds United tonight in front of the TV cameras.

United lay second in the Championship table behind Sunderland. A victory at Elland Road would place the Blades top of the table before the Black Cats visit to Hull City this Sunday. Chris Wilder’s Blades are unbeaten this season and come into this fixture following the demolition of Luton Town as two goals by Crystal Palace loanee Jesrun Rak-Saki saw the Blades defeat the Hatters 2-0.

The two teams haven’t met for three years during the Blades abysmal 2020-21 Premier League campaign which saw them finish rock bottom. They met Leeds at Elland Road on 3rd April 2021 with the Whites victorious by two goals to one. Their victory completed the double over the Blades. At the time it was Paul Heckingbottom’s second match in charge of United and due to Covid restrictions, the match was played behind closed doors.

Blades boss Chris Wilder will have a good selection headache following the return from injury of club captain Jack Robinson. With United now fielding a flat back four, United have fielded both Anel Ahmedhodzic and Harry Souttar at centre-half and, along with the full-backs and goalkeeper Michael Cooper, the Blades haven’t conceded a goal in 608 minutes of football. The last goal they conceded came on Cooper’s debut on 24th August when Joshua Sargent netted after 22 minutes – United drew the game 1-1. With a strong defence, it may prove difficult for Robinson to return to the starting line-up. Their only injury casualty remains midfielder Tom Davies (leg), who could return before the end of the month. Meanwhile, Jamie Shackleton may feature against his former club.

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