Predicted Sheffield United Lineup To Take On Brentford On The Opening Day
The Blades have been given a reasonably tough start to life back in the second tier of English football against the Bees, though their pre-season games could hardly have gone better.
Wins against sides of the calibre of Malaga and Stoke City will have filled the clubs fans with confidence for the curtain raiser, though Brentford’s form has been arguably even better. Positive results against Southampton and Celta Vigo mean the Londonders come here looking to get a first away win on the board early.
To stop that, Chris Wilder may well put out the following XI:
Formation: 3-5-2
Manager: Chris Wilder
GK – Jamal Blackman
The loan signing from Chelsea has a huge future, as well as a huge frame, and may well be installed as no.1 ahead of the admirable Simon Moore.
CB – Richard Stearman
The new man should step straight into the side with ease and adds some good Championship experience.
CB – Jack O’Connell
He still has plenty to learn but is a fine emerging talent at around this level.
CB – Jake Wright
The left-sided defender brings some good balance to the back three.
RWB – Kieron Freeman
Part of an attack-minded line-up last season, it’ll be good to see Freeman bomb down the wing in this division.
LWB – Danny Lafferty
The Ulsterman can continue his role as the club’s left wing-back and will be hoping for a big campaign.
CM – John Fleck
The former Rangers and Coventry man, as we’ve written here before, really deserves to have another go at this sort of level as he was a model of consistency last time and has shown he has the ability.
CM – Chris Basham
His years of experience can prove pivotal for the Blades this season.
CM – John Lundstram
The highly rated young player can make his competitive debut for the club in a midfield role.
ST – Ched Evans
He, of course, has been a very controversial re-signing and his very presence in the team will divide sections of the Blades’ support. He retains obvious ability but frankly, he is nothing out of the ordinary for this division. So for the life of me, I cannot understand why any club would invite the sort of criticism Sheffield United will still get for playing him. Nobody is owed a living from professional football.
ST – Billy Sharp
The deadly front man deserves his shot at this level after another fine season up front in League One.