Sheffield United vs Wrexham – Preview
Sheffield United will host Wrexham under the floodlights at Bramall Lane on Friday night in the EFL Championship.
The Blades enter this match feeling frustrated they could only earn a point at home to Derby County last weekend. Chris Wilder gave his honest verdict after the contest stating United need to start attacking teams and not just wait for the game to come to them.
Wrexham suffered defeat last time out as Blackburn Rovers put two goals past them and kept a clean sheet. The Welsh club have won just once all season away from home, and that came back in early September, beating Millwall 3-0.
Team News
The home side were delighted to welcome Femi Seriki back onto the pitch as a second half substitute, and his impact off the bench, along with exciting winger Romelle Donovan, was clear for all to see. Unfortunately, Ryan Oné missed out altogether because of a hamstring issue.
Phil Parkinson will once again be without New Zealand midfielder Liberato Cacace as he continues to be sidelined with a calf injury. Former Sheffield Wednesday attacker Josh Windass has not been available since Wrexham drew 1-1 with Derby County earlier this month, though he’ll be doing everything he can to be ready for the trip S2.
Sheffield United’s Impact Player For This Game
There is a reason why Romelle Donovan has generated excitement among Sheffield United fans. He plays with aggression, directness and willingness to take defenders on.
Rather than constantly looking to recycle possession or take the safe option, Donovan wants to make things happen. He is comfortable running at his opponent, averaging three successful dribbles per 90, using his pace and close control to create separation, and attempting to deliver something dangerous in the final third.
His willingness to attack defenders is particularly valuable for a Sheffield United side that has struggled to consistently turn possession into meaningful opportunities. A winger who can beat his man, win fouls and deliver quality crosses offers an alternative route to goal, especially when opponents are defending in a compact shape.
The young winger has averaged 0.9 shots on target per game as well as creating 0.45 big chances, and he is averaging two fouls won per game, proving his nimbleness and quick feet.
Defenders struggle to anticipate whether he will drive towards the byline, cut inside or attempt to create an opening through individual skill, similar to the ways Iliman Ndiaye used to.
Hopefully, for everyone’s sake, Wilder will play Donovan from the start against Wrexham and watch him be the star of the show on Friday.
Wrexham’s Impact Player For This Game
Former Blades striker Kieffer Moore could be the difference maker when the two sides meet at Bramall Lane on Friday evening, with the experienced forward offering a significant physical threat and a reliable source of goals for Phil Parkinson’s side.
The Wales international has been one of Wrexham’s key attacking outlets this season, scoring five goals in 12 Championship appearances. He is averaging 3.2 shots per 90 minutes, with 1.46 of those efforts hitting the target.
Moore’s game is about more than simply finishing chances, though. His 10.9 duels won per 90 and 2.70 fouls drawn per 90 is proof he can make life uncomfortable for opposing defenders, hold the ball up and bring Wrexham’s supporting attackers into play.
His presence up front could be particularly important against a Sheffield United defence and midfield that has largely been bullied and overrun on many occasions this season.
My Prediction
A floodlit Bramall Lane pitch always seems to deliver whenever there are cameras. And Friday night should be no different.
Expect plenty of goals, with this fixture serving up some high-scoring crackers over the last few years. The Blades have scored at least once in their last five matches, while Wrexham haven’t earned a clean sheet in seven matches.
The visitors will win the physical battle, but Sheffield United will produce some moments of magic in a 3-2 victory.
