After a gap of twelve years, Sheffield United will play their first Premier League home game as they are due to host Crystal Palace at the Bramall Lane.
The Blades will be full of confidence, following their 1-1 draw against Bournemouth in their opening league encounter, and will strive to secure a win over the Eagles.
Chris Wilder operated with a conservative 3-5-2 formation in the previous game but is expected to revert to an offensive-minded 3-4-1-2 setup on Sunday.
Sheffield United team news
Lys Mousset and Ravel Morrison are facing minor issues related to their fitness but apart from them, Wilder has a fully fit squad to choose his starting XI from.
Predicted Sheffield United lineup vs. Crystal Palace (3-4-1-2)
Defence
Dean Henderson is seemingly likely to start between the sticks once again. The custodian impressed against the Cherries but will face a tougher test when he faces Crystal Palace’s potent attacking arsenal.
John Egan could lineup in the middle of a back three and he is likely to be flanked by Jack O’Connell and Chris Basham. The trio had a good game and will look to extend their good form as fewer goals conceded will automatically mean higher chances of survival.
Wing-back
George Baldock could get the nod from Wilder to start as the right wing-back. The 26-year-old thrives with a lot of energy and willingness down the right and his forward runs could be crucial against the London based outfit.
Meanwhile, Enda Stevens is expected to start from the opposite side. Similar to Baldock in his approach, Stevens is a formidable wing-back and will attempt to stretch Crystal Palace’s backline with his pace and industry.
Midfield
Oliver Norwood and John Fleck might get the chance to start in the central midfield. While Fleck could play the role of the energetic box-to-box player for Wilder’s side, Norwood is likely to sit deep and cushion the defensive line.
Summer signing Luke Freeman could get the green light to start as the central attacking midfielder. With his crisp passes and creativity, he might be able to unlock the Crystal Palace defence.
Attack
At the expense of David McGoldrick, Billy Sharp could come into the starting lineup this weekend. It was through Sharp’s late goal against Eddie Howe’s troops that Sheffield bagged a point in their opening league fixture.
Wilder has genuine reasons to stick with Callum Robinson up top. The 24-year-old was very lively in the final third at the Vitality Stadium and will be desperate to find the back of the net in the upcoming fixture.
