New Sheffield United manger will be looking for his first victory in his second spell as Blades manager when they host Brentford today in the Premier League.
The former Middlesbrough and Northampton Town boss was named successor to Paul Heckingbottom last Tuesday and began his second reign in charge with a 2-0 defeat at home to title challenges Liverpool on Wednesday evening last.
The result left United bottom of the table, however, an improved and spirited performance has given the Blades faithful hope that, mixed with continued spirit and January signings, the football club might with stand a relegation dogfight that seemed a far distance some weeks ago.
The Blades and The Bees last met in the Championship en-route to Sheffield United’s promotion to the Premier League in 2019. They had already won 3-2 at Griffin Park before United infamous beat Brentford 2-0 at Bramall Lane. It was a victory which proved their credentials as serious promotion contenders. United were third in the league behind Norwich City and Leeds United. They had taken the lead via the penalty spot on 26 minutes after Oli Norwood capitalised on George Baldock’s foul in the box. However, 9 minutes later they were given an uphill task after on-loan forward Gary Madine was handed a straight red card following a reckless challenge. From then it was a backs to the wall job as Brentford recorded a 70% possession and mustered 29 shots at goal throughout the match. The United defence were superb in keeping the London side at bay with the United crowd jubilant six minutes from time when David McGoldrick’s header secure the points.
Today’s encounter will be the first in the Premier League, however, the two teams have met in the top three divisions previously. The only season they met in the old First Division came in 1946-47 respectively. They played on back-to-back days with United recording a 6-1 victory at Bramall Lane on Christmas Day before Brentford exacted revenge on Boxing Day, winning 3-1. Throughout the two clubs history they have met 32 times in the league. The Blades have recorded 11 victories to Brentford’s 12 (9 draws).
Blades boss Wilder will once again be without suspended Oli McBurnie for the visit of Brentford following his sending off at Burnley last weekend. He is expected to be made available for next Saturday’s trip to Chelsea. United, however, may have George Baldock available for contention. The Greek international trained with the squad yesterday and may be included in the matchday squad.
Brentford FC, who were also formed in 1889, are eleventh in the Premier League table and come into this fixture following a 2-1 defeat at Brighton on Wednesday night despite taking the lead. They will be looking to get more points on the board as they face a difficult trio of fixtures following the conclusion of their journey to S2. They host Aston Villa next Sunday before hosting Wolverhampton Wanderers on 27th December and travelling to Crystal Palace before the end of the year. Their pre-Christmas fixture at Manchester City has been postponed.