Sheffield United vs Lincoln City – Preview
Newly promoted Lincoln City entertain Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Saturday afternoon as the EFL Championship resumes following a three-week international break.
The Blades head into this fixture following three consecutive defeats in all competitions, all by a single goal. The most recent defeat came away at Stoke City. United took the lead via a long-range freekick from Kalvin Phillips, but Mark Robins’ side scored two absolute crackers from distance late on to claim all three points.
Lincoln will travel to South Yorkshire full of belief. Tom Shaw’s men sit 12th in the table having won two of their last three matches, with both victories being 1-0’s away from home.
Team News
Chris Wilder will breathe a sigh of relief knowing some of his players will return to the matchday squad this weekend. Tahith Chong could get thrown into the starting eleven after increasing his match sharpness over the international break with Curaçao.
The three-week break also provided the likes of Sam McCallum, Ryan Oné and Femi Seriki to get closer to full fitness.
Lincoln had a couple of injuries to contend with in September, though both Mason Melia and Tendayi Darikwa could be available for selection at Bramall Lane. Meanwhile, experienced winger Chiedozie Ogbene may feature against the Blades after leaving the club in the summer.
Sheffield United’s Impact Player For This Game
Tom Cannon could be the player to make the difference for Sheffield United as Chris Wilder looks to get the Blades’ Championship campaign back on track.
The forward has netted three goals in all competitions, but he has had inconsistent game time in spite of this, which is frustrating considering he’s looked like United’s best striker this term.
The Republic of Ireland international leads Sheffield United for shots on target per 90 minutes, averaging 0.7. His accuracy is also encouraging, with 62.5% of his attempts on target, while Patrick Bamford has a 44% accuracy.
Cannon’s movement across the frontline could also create space for the likes of Bamford and Ben Brereton Diaz to exploit.
Lincoln City’s Impact Player For This Game
Freddie Draper could be the man Sheffield United need to keep quiet when Lincoln City visit Bramall Lane on Saturday afternoon. The striker has emerged as one of the Imps’ key attacking threats this season, and his ability to occupy defenders and take opportunities in the penalty area could prove crucial against a Blades side looking to end their difficult run of results.
Draper’s numbers suggest that United cannot afford to give him too much space around the box, averaging 0.8 shots on target per game (the most in Lincoln’s squad).
The Blades have conceded 11 goals in eight Championship matches, continuing to struggle to keep clean sheets just like last term. If Sheffield United allow Draper time and space in dangerous areas, he has the potential to make them pay and to his two goals he’s already registered this season for the Championship’s new boys.
My Prediction
Given Lincoln City’s start to the season, as well as their recent away form, the visitors will be coming to Bramall Lane without any fear and full of belief that they can get something from this game.
Sheffield United, meanwhile, were eyeing this as a game where they can clinch three points when the fixture list came out this summer.
I think the Blades win but they will be made to work extremely hard for it. The home side will win this 2-1.
Stats taken from Fotmob.
