Sheffield United have enjoyed a fantastic start to the season, as they’ve managed to accumulate 38 points from 18 games, keeping them three points clear of third place Leeds United.
This margin could have been extended if the Blades weren’t hit with a point deduction at the start of the campaign – highlighting the impact that Chris Wilder has had on his hometown club.
Although their home form has been extraordinary, Wilder’s men haven’t been as efficient on the road, losing away at Leeds United & Middlesbrough.
This is nothing to be ashamed of, however, it adds important context to United’s next two games, as they have a similar calibre of opponents in West Bromwich Albion & Millwall.
Despite those sides possessing slightly less quality compared to Leeds United & Middlesbrough, they’re difficult away grounds to travel to, as they’ve only lost a combined total of three games at their home stadiums.
West Brom v Sheffield United
As mentioned above, Sheffield United have two difficult fixtures ahead against play-off contenders.
The Blades firstly travel to West Brom, with the Baggies drawing nine of their last ten games in the league.
Although earlier in the season, West Brom looked like a possession-oriented side, they’ve returned to their old habits in recent weeks, by playing pragmatically.
The Baggies have attempted to utilise their wingers more frequently which has resulted in them becoming a transition base side.
With Tom Fellows, Mikey Johnston, Karlan Grant etc having fantastic acceleration qualities, the logic behind the decision is understandable by Corberban.
Furthermore, barring Alex Mowatt, West Brom has struggled to be an efficient midfield unit in possession, with a lack of midfield creators being evident.
For example, Uros Racic, Jayson Molumby & Ousmane Diakite have only accumulated two assists between them this season — highlighting the lack of central creativity in the group.
However, despite the Baggies midfielders struggling to be effective creative outlets, these individuals possess greater physical attributes, indicating that West Brom’s recruitment is at fault.
Although Corberan has demonstrated his success at coaching tenacious midfielders at a high level, it raises the burden of his other attacking players, given their limited creativity from deep areas.
With both of these teams prioritising pragmatism, it could culminate into a cagey encounter, especially as both of these sides feature in the top five, for most clean sheets.
Sheffield United have had plenty of close games throughout the season, and have turned many draws into wins, subsequently propelling them into the top two places.
Although defensive solidity has played an instrumental part in the Blades gaining multiple wins this season, they’ve been blessed with moments of individual quality.
This was represented against Sheffield Wednesday, as Gustavo Hamer played a high-difficulty reverse pass to Tyrese Campbell in the box — unlocking the Wednesday defence at ease.
Millwall v Sheffield United
Whether Millwall are located near the bottom of the top of the league, it’s always a difficult task going to the Den, as they play in an effective style that resonates with the supporters.
Although Neil Harris has openly admitted throughout the season that successful Championship sides have to be effective with the ball at their feet, his team have created an equilibrium that allows them to be stable playing out from the back, whilst going direct frequently.
Whilst Harris’ side is extremely effective at playing direct balls from deep areas, they possess flamboyant options out wide, with Femi Azeez & Romain Esse being the standouts in recent weeks.
According to FotMob, Esse has accumulated a match rating of 7.09 throughout the campaign — highlighting the added consistency to his game.
With Sheffield United having attacking-minded left-backs in the shape of Sam McCallum & Harrison Burrows, Esse has the potential to have an outstanding night, as his dribbling qualities are tremendous.
Another battle which could prove critical throughout the encounter is the midfield area. George Saville & Casper De Norre have provided fantastic defence security during the campaign, winning a significant volume of duels and interceptions.
This level of defensive superiority has been matched by the Blades, as Vinicius Souza has won 119 duels across the season, as stated by FotMob.
The big question is who Wilder chooses to play alongside the Brazilian, as Sydie Peck has deputised in Oli Arblaster’s absence recently.
Due to the physical superiority of Sheffield United’s opposition on Wednesday evening, Wilder may opt for Tom Davies in midfield over Peck’s technical skill, allowing a stronger central match-up.
Conclusion
There isn’t anyone that can discredit Sheffield United’s excellent start to the season, but these upcoming games could further solidify their automatic promotion hopes, as they’re travelling to difficult venues.
Whilst the game against West Brom may become an enthralling tactical battle, against two competent managers, the game at Millwall will become a task of doing the basics excellently.
Neil Harris’ men will attempt to create a fast intensity from the first minute, which will be catalysed by the home supporters, meaning the game will become about playing effectively under pressure.
Luckily for Wilder’s outfit, Harry Souttar should return for the Millwall game after his one-game suspension.
This’ll benefit them massively, as Souttar has fantastic underlying numbers from an aerial perspective.
The Australian centre-back also provides excellent leadership qualities, giving his teammates clarity in vital areas of the pitch.
Wilder has the personnel amongst his side to come out of these games unscathed, but it’ll require an abundance of character and defensive security, to get them over the line.