Sheffield United should go into tomorrow’s League Cup tie full of confidence against a depleted Everton side.
With morale at Goodison currently experiencing an all time low, the Blades, who have enjoyed a bright start to the campaign have nothing to lose. Of course, any team that possesses names such as Arteta, Cahill and dare I say Jagielka are going to start favourites against a League 1 outfit, but when you consider that United’s midfield pairing more than matched them in the Premier League, and “Jags” is prone to an error such as at the weekend, especially amidst transfer speculation where his mind on matters elsewhere.
Danny Wilson is yet to taste defeat in a competitive game, and whilst it took penalties to overcome Hartlepool, and they only managed a draw on Saturday in their last trip to Merseyside, there will be plenty of players looking to prove a point.
Steve Simonsen faces his former club, and living in the area still is sure to up his game. Around him, the likes of Montgomery and Quinn will be aware of a heavier scouting presence at the game, and know that with just over a week of the transfer window remaining, this is the time to put your name out there with an excellent performance.
Then there are matters off the field. United, whilst not enjoying the best summer (including a protest at a newly appointed manager’s press call) appear to have been buoyed by the start to the season and the (almost) free-flowing expansive approach that Wilson has tried to bring to the club. Whilst numbers haven’t been terribly high for the home games, the support, and positivity coming from the fans has been exceptional, and should be no different tomorrow.
Compare this with the opposition, who have seen their side slump to defeat in their opening game against an injury-hit Queens Park Rangers side who were forced to start with Patrick Agyemang up front. Talk about adding insult to injury toffees fans. Their own manager David Moyes, a certainty for departure should the club be forced to sell their best assets came under criticism from supporters when withdrawing Jermaine Beckford at the weekend. That’s the same free transfer from League 1 at the start of last season, who despite having blistering pace, makes Monty look composed in front of goal.
Everton will field a strong side, Mr Moyes cannot afford not to despite having a small squad, but that won’t stop Wilson’s men having a chance to overcome them. The tenacity of United’s midfield duo, who will have to perform at their best to combat the energetic Rodwell. Whoever starts on the wings will have to be at the top of their game, if they come against Baines & Neville. What United could be drawn into doing is starting with five across the middle, with Montgomery sitting deep to control Cahill, or whoever else is chosen to sit behind the striker. With a lack of pace between Maguire and Collins, United would hope to see Anichebe given a chance, giving the defensive duo more of a battle, than a sprinting race against the pacey Beckford.
However, second guessing your opponents is impossible in this competition, and as a result, Wilson would gain many more admirers if he looked to exploit the home side’s situation from the off.
So, with experienced heads in the side, a better sense of belief in the stands, and a somewhat more harmonious backroom atmosphere, what a sign this would send out to those stay-away supporters, the doubters and indeed the rest of League 1.
Share this article
