Sheffield United face Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday, for the first time in more than five years.
Sheffield United visit city rivals Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday, for the first time since February 2012.
Last season’s League One champions may have been away from the Championship for six years, but they go into the derby two points and three places better off than the Owls.
Their manager, Chris Wilder, told a press conference earlier this week that Wednesday should still be considered favourites, “being in the play-off final two years ago, being in the play-offs last year, spending all that dough, (and) having all these big-name players.”
But he also stressed United are “a dangerous team to play against”, and a win for the Owls is far from a given – especially if the Blades have returned to full health by Sunday.
Strikers Billy Sharp and Clayton Donaldson remain Wilder’s key concern, having missed last weekend’s defeat by Norwich City, although Paul Coutts has been cleared to play following an investigation into an off-the-ball incident during that game.
Ched Evans and ex-Wednesday man Leon Clarke should be on standby in case Sharp and/or Donaldson miss out, while George Baldock could come in at right-back if Kieron Freeman fails to shake off a knock.
United’s only other dilemma will be whether or not to continue with David Brooks in midfield, after he impressed on his first start for the club against Norwich. The 20-year-old will likely keep his place if Wilder is again reduced to playing one up front.
Here’s how HITC Sport suspects the Blades could look at Hillsborough:
Who’ll come out on top Sunday – Sheffield Wednesday or Sheffield United?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
