Sheffield United travel to fellow Premier League side Burnley tonight in the second round of the Carabao Cup, with the winners facing either Millwall or Cheltenham Town in the next round.
United made a poor start to the 2020-21 season with a 0-2 home defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers, with the visitors striking twice inside the first 6 minutes. The Blades regrouped at half-time and despite creating several attempts at goal, they were unable to find the net. In the denying minutes of the game, Oli McBurnie saw his effort cleared off the line.
With that defeat and the prospect of travelling to Aston Villa on Monday night for round two of Premier League matches, Chris Wilder will no doubt be looking to make changes to his starting eleven, giving his side the best opportunity of going to Villa Park with a fully fit squad.
Starting XI vs. Wolves: Ramsdale, Baldock, Stevens, Fleck, O’Connell, Basham, Lundstram, McBurnie, Sharp, Egan, Norwood. Substitutes: McGoldrick, Berge: Burke, Jagielka, Foderingham, Ampadu, Osborn, McGolrick
Soccer Football – Scottish Premiership – Rangers vs Celtic – Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, Britain – September 23, 2017 Rangers’ Wes Foderingham warms up before the match REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
With the Premier League being manager Chris Wilder’s aim at making sure that the season doesn’t result in a bottom three finish, it is likely that tonight’s starting XI will look completely different, and may make up to eight changes, with only captain Billy Sharp, Oliver Norwood, and midfielder John Lundstram retaining his place from the side which lost 0-2 at home to Wolves four days ago.
It is likely that keeper Aaron Ramsdale will be rested, with either Wes Foderingham (pictured) or Michael Verrips installed as number one for this match.
United will most likely remain with the 3-5-2 wing-back system which involves overlapping defenders. However, the trio which started against Wolves, Chris Basham, Jack O’Connell and John Egan may be spared. This would allow several possibilities with Phil Jagielka, Ethan Ampadu (on loan from Chelsea), Jack Robinson, Kean Bryan or Jack Rodwell in the heart of the defence.
New signings Max Lowe (left) and Jayden Bogle (right), could be handed their debuts. Neither was involved in the squad on Monday night and replace Enda Stevens and George Baldock respectively if selected.
In midfield, Wilder is likely to keep John Lundstram and Oliver Norwood amongst his starting line-up but could introduce Ben Osborn, in replace of John Fleck. Up top, Oli McBurnie could be replaced by David McGoldrick who was introduced as a substitute in the second half.
Predicted Blades Line-Up:
