Sheffield United host Wrexham at Bramall Lane on Friday night as both sides look to pick up an important victory in the EFL Championship.
The Blades will be hoping to use home advantage to get a positive result, while Wrexham travel to South Yorkshire looking to bounce back from their recent defeat to Blackburn Rovers.
Both teams have shown that they can be dangerous going forward this season, but neither has been completely consistent.
This could make Friday night’s game an interesting contest, with Sheffield United likely to face a difficult test against a Wrexham side that will be keen to prove themselves.
Kick-off is at 8pm on Friday, October 30.
Sheffield United hoping to get back to winning ways
Sheffield United will be looking to build on their recent performances and give their home supporters something to celebrate.
The Blades drew 1–1 with Derby County in their previous match, with Patrick Bamford getting on the scoresheet.
There have been some positive results for Chris Wilder’s side recently, including a 3–0 victory over Lincoln City and a 1–0 win against Bristol City.
However, defeats against Portsmouth and Stoke City show that there is still room for improvement.
One of the main things Sheffield United will need to do is take their chances.
They have players capable of causing problems for opposition defences, but they will need to be more consistent in front of goal if they want to challenge near the top of the table.
Bamford could be an important player for the hosts.
His experience and ability to find space in the penalty area could give Sheffield United an advantage, particularly if they can create enough opportunities for him.
Playing at Bramall Lane should also help the Blades, but they will need to start well and avoid giving Wrexham confidence early in the game.
Wrexham looking for a response
Wrexham will arrive in Sheffield hoping to put their defeat against Blackburn behind them.
Phil Parkinson’s side lost 2–0 in their last outing, but there have been encouraging performances elsewhere.
Their 4–1 win over Preston North End showed what they can do when their attack is working well, while a 2–1 victory against Southampton proved they can compete against strong Championship opposition.
However, their away form will be something to watch, especially against a Sheffield United side that will be eager to attack in front of their own fans.
Kieffer Moore could play a big role for Wrexham.
His strength and ability in the air could cause problems for the Blades’ defence, particularly if the visitors can get crosses into the box.
Wrexham will also need to be organised at the back. If they give Sheffield United too much space, the hosts have players who can take advantage.
Parkinson may look to keep his side compact and hit Sheffield United on the counter-attack.
If Wrexham can defend well and make the most of their chances, they could make the game much closer than some might expect.
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Team news
Sheffield United will be hoping to have as many players available as possible for Friday’s fixture.
Matt Doherty and Jamie Shackleton have been among those reported to have injury concerns, while Femi Seriki’s return to action against Derby County could give Wilder another option.
Bamford will also be hoping to keep his place after scoring in the previous match.
Tom Cannon provides another option in attack if the manager decides to make changes.
Wrexham have also had injury problems, with Liberato Cacace, Max Cleworth, Sebastian Revan, George Thomason and Nathan Broadhead among the players reported to have been unavailable.
Ben Sheaf’s return to the bench against Blackburn could be a boost for Parkinson, although it remains to be seen how involved he will be.
Both managers will have some important decisions to make before kick-off, and the final team news could have an impact on how the game plays out.
Sheffield United predicted XI: Cooper; Tanganga, Choudhury, Kitching, Burrows; Phillips, Arblaster; Chong, O’Hare, Brereton Díaz; Bamford.
Wrexham predicted XI: Patterson; Hyam, Worrall, Doyle; Kaboré, James, Whiteman, Ekomié; O’Hare, Smith; Moore.
Score prediction
Sheffield United 2–1 Wrexham
This should be a competitive game, with both sides having enough quality to cause problems for the opposition.
Wrexham have already shown this season that they can score goals and pick up important results, so Sheffield United will need to be careful not to underestimate them.
Moore could be a threat in attack, especially if the visitors are able to deliver crosses into the box.
However, the Blades’ home advantage could make the difference.
If Bamford and the players behind him can create enough chances, Sheffield United should have a good opportunity to take all three points.
Wrexham are capable of scoring, but their defensive performance against Blackburn will be a concern going into this fixture.
Overall, Sheffield United look slightly better placed to win, although it is unlikely to be an easy evening for the hosts.
A 2–1 victory for the Blades seems a reasonable prediction, with Wrexham expected to put up a fight before the home side edge the contest.
By Elliot Desage
