The International break has very rarely been pleasing for Sheffield United. Before the fortnight enforced break without any fixtures the Blades sat nervously at the top of the Championship but upon its return have since failed to record a victory following a defeat at Derby County, and a draw at home to Stoke City.
A poor second half at Pride Park was the catalyst in recording a 2-1 loss against the Rams, and last Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw with Stoke would have been avoided had they not given away a needless free-kick away in a dangerous position.
Those games are now gone and Chris Wilder and his team must now move onto the next fixture at home to Wigan Athletic today (3pm).
Prior to the draw with the Potters the Blades had fielded the same XI for five consecutive matches. This came to an end when Leon Clarke was selected ahead of skipper Billy Sharp, and rewarded the gaffer’s decision with his first goal of the season.
Pre-match reports have suggested that Sheffield United have a fitness concern over one of their players, although the BBC report doesn’t expose who is of concern. With this in mind Chris Wilder could again shuffle the pack and we believe that Sharp will return to the side to face Wigan and line-up alongside David McGoldrick. Other than that the side will be a very familiar XI.
Wigan will be forced into a change with former Blades midfielder Lee Evans illegible to play against his parent club. The former Wolves midfielder is on loan at the DW Stadium until January, after missing out on the opportunity to make the deal permanent in the last transfer window. He will become a permanent player once the transfer window re-opens in January.
They are also without Darron Gibson through suspension, following his red card in the 4-0 loss at Preston.