Blades News

Will Hecky Ring Home The Changes?

|
Image for Will Hecky Ring Home The Changes?

Sheffield United take a brief rest from league matters when they travel to the Hawthorns this evening to face fellow Championship side West Bromwich Albion in the first round of the Carabao Cup (kick-off; 20:00 PM) and could see Paul Heckingbottom dramatically change his starting XI ahead of the clash in the Midlands.

The winner of this tie could face Premier League opposition, depending on the draw. The game will be decided tonight. Should the game end all square at 90 minutes, then no extra time will take place and the match will be decided by a penalty shoot-out.

The Blades have made a steady start to the 2022-23 campaign, having lost 1-0 at Watford on the opening day of the season before recording a 2-0 victory over Millwall last Saturday. Goals from Illiman Ndiaye and Sander Berge helped lift United to sixth in the table at an early stage. They did have the opportunity to extend their lead, however, Oli Norwood saw his penalty saved after Rhian Brewster was hauled down in the box.

United supporters could see the likes of youngsters Jordan Amissah, Kyron Gordon, Ollie Arblaster, and Will Osulu drafted into the starting XI to face the Baggies. However, Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom will be without keeper Adam Davies (knee), defenders Chris Basham, Jack Robinson, Jack O’Connell and Enda Stevens (all knee, through injury. Also, side-lined is midfielder Tommy Doyle (thigh), and forward Oli McBurnie (foot). Meanwhile, Mali midfielder, Ismaila Coulibaly, will be sidelined for some time, after news has emerged that he requires an operation on his knee.

The Blades and the Baggies met twice in the league last season, with both sides failing in their bid for promotion. The Midlands side promotion task looked like a walk in the park in the preliminary stages of the 2021-22, especially after beating the Blades 4-0 at the Hawthorns during Slavisa Jokanovic reign on 18th August. By the time they met again on 9th February, both sides had turned in performance. The Baggies were sliding towards mid-table, whilst United were hunting down a top six spot. Under Paul Heckingbottom, United recorded a 2-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion. Billy Sharp netted goals in each half to secure the victory, whilst the visitors saw Jake Livermore dismissed on 39 minutes.

West Bromwich Albion has yet to register a victory since the 2022-23 campaign began, having drawn against two difficult opponents who are expected to be amongst the top six come the end of the season. On the opening day of the season, they drew 1-1 at Middlesbrough before drawing 1-1 at home to Watford last Monday. The Hornets had scored a spectacular goal through Ismaila Sarr on 12 minutes after looping an excellent shot from his own half before Karlan Grant netted for the hosts on the stroke of half-time.

Steve Bruce’s Baggies will next be in league action on Sunday when they travel to Blackburn Rovers. They too may have the ambition to change the squad in anticipation of their visit to Ewood Park and may rest several key personnel.

They are expected to be without striker Daryl Dike after it was announced he is suffering from a thigh injury.  The Midlands outfit is also without long-term injury, Kean Bryan (ACL), who is no stranger to Bramall Lane after he played 17 times for the Red and White Wizards after joining on a free transfer from Manchester City in August 2018, leaving in September 202. During his time with United, the defender netted once in a 2-1 victory over Manchester United in January 2021.

 

Last Six Meetings

14.12.2018 – Sheffield United 1-2 West Bromwich Albion (Championship)
23.02.2019 – Sheffield United 0-1 West Bromwich Albion (Championship)
28.11.2020 – West Bromwich Albion 1-0 Sheffield United (Premier League)
02.02.2021 – Sheffield United 2-1 West Bromwich Albion (Premier League)
18.08.2021 – West Bromwich Albion 4-0 Sheffield United (Championship)
09.02.2022 – Sheffield United 2-0 West Bromwich Albion (Championship)

Share this article