Two struggling sides meet in the Championship on Tuesday as Sheffield United host Southampton at Bramall Lane.
The Blades are aiming to build on a much-needed victory last time out, while the Saints will be pushing to climb closer to the top half of the table.
Match preview
Sheffield United fell short in their promotion bid last season, losing in the playoffs, and entered this campaign with hopes of competing for a top-six finish. Instead, they endured a nightmare start, losing all six of their opening games under Ruben Selles, including a 5-0 thrashing at Ipswich that ultimately cost him his job.
In a dramatic twist, the club turned back to Chris Wilder—who had been dismissed only months earlier—for a third spell in charge.
His return began with a defeat to Charlton, but his side finally picked up their first points of the season at the weekend. Callum O’Hare’s strike sealed a 1-0 win at Oxford United, ending both a six-game losing run and a six-week goal drought.
United have also been poor at Bramall Lane, losing all three home matches so far. However, Wilder’s strong finish to last season on home turf offers some hope, and victory on Tuesday could lift them off the bottom, even if they are unlikely to escape the relegation zone due to a poor goal difference.
Southampton’s campaign has also been underwhelming.
Despite losing only twice in the league, Will Still’s side have collected just seven points from seven matches, leaving them in 19th—two points off the top half but just above the drop zone.
Their most recent outing brought a 1-1 draw against table-topping Middlesbrough, a result that extended their winless streak to five games. Since beating Wrexham on the opening day, Saints have failed to secure another league victory, though their away form has been more solid, losing only once in the Championship on their travels.
For Southampton, Tuesday offers a chance to reset against another struggling side, though Wilder’s presence in the opposite dugout ensures the Blades will be difficult opponents.
Team news
Sheffield United remain without Oliver Arblaster (knee), Sai Sachdev (broken leg) and Jamie Shackleton (foot). Tom Davies and Danny Ings may return to the squad but are unlikely to start. Japhet Tanganga and Harrison Burrows should feature at full-back, with Gustavo Hamer and Sydie Peck anchoring midfield, and Callum O’Hare supporting Tyrese Campbell in attack.
Southampton will miss Welington (ankle), while Ryan Manning is expected to deputise. Samuel Edozie is still a doubt, so Adam Armstrong, Tom Fellows and Finn Azaz should support Ross Stewart up front.
Probable lineups:
Sheffield United: Cooper; Tanganga, McGuinness, Mee, Burrows; Hamer, Peck; Ogbene, O’Hare, Soumare; Campbell
Southampton: McCarthy; Edwards, Wood, Quarshie, Manning; Jander, Charles; Fellows, Azaz, Armstrong; Stewart
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