Dean Henderson could make his debut against Swansea tomorrow.
The season starts here! Sheffield United host Swansea City tomorrow at Bramall Lane for the start of the 2018/19 Championship season.
Clubs across the country have spent the last month preparing for tomorrow which sees the start of the regular football season for clubs in Championship, League One and League Two. The supporters of the 20 teams which conclude the Premier League will have to wait another week.
Chris Wilder and his Sheffield United team have had a successful summer and played out the friendless unbeaten. Arguably there most successful fixture was the 1-1 draw with Inter Milan at the Lane.
Blades fans can expect some new faces when United turn out for their first game of the season (kick-off: 5:30PM). Goalkeeper Dean Henderson has arrived on a season’s long loan deal from Manchester United. In defence United broke their own transfer record to secure the services of John Egan from Brentford.
Rangers missed the opportunity to land Kean Bryan from Manchester City. Instead, the defensive midfielder has joined on a free transfer with sell-on clauses, signing a three-year deal.
In attack is where Wilder has strengthened the most. David McGoldrick joined a free transfer from Ipswich Town whilst highly rated Ben Woodburn has joined on a season’s long loan from Liverpool. The gaffer is expected to field a mostly fit squad. Only midfielder Paul Coutts (broken leg) remains a doubt as he carry’s on his long journey to recovery.
Ironically Sheffield United were Swansea’s last Championship opponents before they were promoted via the Play-Offs in 2011. On that day the Swans were 4-0 winners at the Liberty Stadium. Here is hoping that the same result doesn’t happen again.
They will be keen to impress new boss Graham Potter as they look to bounce back and make an instant return to the Premiership after a 7-year reign. Their gaffer has had to work hard over the summer. The cost of relegation has seen him lose 13 first team players but should still have a strong squad.
The fitness of former Blade Kyle Naughton (calf strain) will be assessed prior to the match. Federico Fernandez is still expected to feature despite being linked with a move away from the club.