‘Can’t believe it’: Billy Sharp shares what’s left him stunned ahead of Leeds clash

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Billy Sharp has admitted that he ‘can’t believe’ that Sheffield United’s showdown with Leeds on Sunday will be the first Yorkshire derby in 19 years, as posted by Sheffield United’s Twitter page.

Both teams had a number of tasty meetings in England’s second-tier, but not since Leeds smashed Bradford 6-1 in 2001 have two clubs from Yorkshire met in the promised land.

Well, Chris Wilder and Marcelo Bielsa have put an end to that as their tactical brains will collide at Bramall Lane today.

Sharp has played for both parts of the divide, and whilst his game time has reduced for his boyhood club ever since they returned to the Premier League, you can bet him coming onto the pitch at some point against Leeds.

“No, I can’t believe it’s that long actually,” said Sharp. “I cannot even remember what the kits were when that game happened.

“It’s been too long. It’s two great football clubs who, for me, deserve to be in the Premier League and it’s going to be a good occasion on Sunday, which would be a lot better with the fans.

“But it’s going to be a good game. Early kick-off and it’s one I am looking forward to. Obviously, the boys are too. A good couple of days of training before we get going. But we need to be ready for a big challenge ahead.”

This is where it’s a crying shame that supporters aren’t allowed into stadiums because the atmosphere would have been on another level for this clash.

On the pitch itself, Leeds are flying high after picking up their first win of the season when they beat Fulham 4-3 last time out.

On the other hand, the Blades are struggling for form and have lost their opening two games, but they come up against a Whites team that have been leaking goals for fun, so they will be targetting that without a doubt.