Sharp and Fleck to start – Strongest 5-3-2 Sheffield United XI to face Hull City in the League Cup

Predicted Sheffield United line-up to face Hull City in the League Cup

Sheffield United were successful in writing off defeats in their opening two matches as they came from behind to beat Queens Park Rangers 2-1 at Loftus Road on Saturday.

After a morale-boosting win at QPR, the Blades host Hull City on Tuesday in the Football League Cup first round. Chris Wilder will be hoping that his boys put in another gritty display against Hull to progress to the next round of the competition.

Team News

Paul Coutts returned to full training last week but manager Chris Wilder hopes the midfielder’s return to first-team action is four to six weeks away. Defender Jake Wright is still recovering from a cheekbone injury.

Probable Sheffield United XI

Formation: 5-3-2

Manager: Chris Wilder

Dean Henderson (GK)

Henderson was excellent in the win over QPR and proved why he is so highly-rated in England.

Kieron Freeman (RWB)

Freeman is an attacking full-back who loves to get into promising positions and contribute to the team’s attack. Due to him being an offensive-minded player, he is prone to getting caught out of position.

John Egan (RCB)

Egan bounced back from the horror show against Middlesbrough with a top display at QPR. Needs to build on from the win last weekend.

Richard Stearman (CB)

Stearman brings a calming influence to the Sheffield backline. He is a physically strong and tall defender which enables him to deal with the aerial threat.

Jack O’Connell (LCB)

O’Connell is a ball-playing defender who likes to venture forward with the ball and link up with the midfielders.

Enda Stevens (LWB)

Stevens is a reliable presence in the team but needs to develop his crossing abilities drastically.

John Fleck (CM)

Fleck’s composure and reading of the game are often superb and that keeps the Blades ticking in the midfield.

Chris Basham (CM)

Basham was stationed in the midfield against QPR to accommodate both Stearman and Egan, and he lived up to the expectations. He is a tidy passer of the ball and needs to be at his best against Hull if Sheffield are to advance to the second round of the League Cup.

Mark Duffy (CM)

Duffy is a vital player for the Blades as he links the midfield and the attack. He possesses good vision and has the ability to create things out of nothing.

Billy Sharp (LS)

Sharp was on the scoresheet last game and will look to add more to his tally when Sheffield face Hull. He works hard for the team and is always willing to take up responsibilities.

Read more: Brilliant Sharp, Poor Fleck – The best and the worst rated Sheffield United players vs QPR

David McGoldrick (RS)

While Leon Clarke was decent against QPR, the Hull clash screams for the inclusion of David McGoldrick, who was on the score-sheet at Loftus Road. He is expected to shake off his minor injury.