Sheffield United could be boosted by the return of midfielder, Morgan Gibbs-White, as the Blades prepare to face West Bromwich Albion at Bramall Lane, and the return of their former manager in Steve Bruce.
Since Paul Heckingbottom was announced as coach of Sheffield United on 25th November, the Blades have been a pillar of strength, tasting defeat once in his eight league matches in charge, whilst victorious in six matches and drawing one. A form which has seen United fire up the table, and before last night’s fixtures, are three points behind the top six.
They come into this fixture with three consecutive fixtures, having dramatically won 2-1 at Birmingham City last Friday night. A scrappy match against a physical Blues side saw the match all-square at the break. The game kicked into life in the second half when, against the run of play, on 61 minutes, Birmingham broke away and resulted in former Blade, Lyle Taylor finishing.
Not to be satisfied with a defeat, the Blades dug in and three minutes were level after a neat ball through from Sander Berge saw skipper Billy Sharp peel away from his marker and finish past Neil Etheridge in the Blues goal. On 74 minutes the visitors were in the lead after neat play saw Jayden Bogle slip under the keeper at the near post.
Both United and Albion are expected to field a strong squad with neither side suffering any injury concerns. On-loan Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder, Morgan Gibbs-White is close to fitness and is hopeful that he’ll be included in tonight’s squad.
Sheffield United was waiting for their first league victory (and goal) of the season following a dreadful 4-0 defeat at West Bromwich Albion on 18th August, when these two sides met earlier in the season. The defeat saw the Blades slip into the relegation zone. An unfortunate own goal from Jack Robinson set the ball rolling in a toothless display, though David McGoldrick could have levelled immediately but failed to finish his one-on-one opportunity. Further goals after the break, which included former Blade Callum Robinson completing the rout, made too well for a miserable evening in the Midlands.
West Brom began the season in a flash, and ere unbeaten in their opening ten matches after accumulating 22 points. Unfortunately, for the Baggies, results dropped, and whilst they have maintained a top-six position thus far, they gradually peeled away from the automatic spots. Concerned about their promotion credentials, the Midlands club parted company with the coach, Valerien Ismael a week ago and took little time in appointing a successor, former Sheffield United boss, Steve Bruce, who will take his first game in charge at where it all started.
Whilst Bruce will begin his new life at The Hawthorns with a clean slate, the Baggies come into this fixture with one victory in their last eight matches in all competitions and have lost their last two outings to Preston North End at home, and at Millwall, both resulting in a 2-0 defeat.
Last Six Meetings
30.01.2010 – West Bromwich Albion 3-1 Sheffield United (Championship)
14.12.2018 – Sheffield United 1-2 West Bromwich Albion (Championship)
23.02.2019 – Sheffield United 0-1 West Bromwich Albion (Championship)
28.11.2020 – West Bromwich Albion 1-0 Sheffield United (Premier League)
02.02.2021 – Sheffield United 2-1 West Bromwich Albion (Premier League)
18.08.2021 – West Bromwich Albion 4-0 Sheffield United (Championship)