Preview: Sheffield United vs. Carlisle United - prediction, team news, lineups

Sheffield United play host to Carlisle United in the EFL Cup first round having started their Championship campaign with defeat to Birmingham City.

Meanwhile, the visitors will take the positives from registering a goalless draw at home to Colchester United in League Two.

Match preview

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There are positives and negatives associated with Sheffield United making no first-team additions this summer and seeing just one regular departing for pastures new.

However, Slavisa Jokanovic quickly discovered that it will require more than just quality to secure an immediate return to the Premier League as his side lost out 1-0 to Blues.

While the Blades did not necessarily perform badly against opponents who only just avoided relegation last year, the lack of a cutting edge in attack with worry the Serbian in the short term.

Several members of the current crop could be sold before the end of the transfer window, but a few fresh faces may be what this squad needs ahead of a relentless campaign.

Despite Rhian Brewster's wait for his first Sheffield United goal being extended to 31 appearances at the weekend, Jokanovic may view this fixture as the perfect opportunity for the young Englishman to end that unwanted streak.

Carlisle will have other ideas as they look to record a second clean sheet in three days after their stalemate on Saturday afternoon.

On the back of last season's 10th-placed finish, Chris Beech may have been expecting more from the club's first home match, but a share of the spoils will not be viewed negatively at this stage.

Beech has made some shrewd additions during the summer, but the signing of Corey Whelan from Wigan Athletic has the potential to be one of the best pieces of business at this level.

These two clubs are meeting for the first time since Sheffield United prevailed by a 1-0 scoreline in League One back in 2014.

Team News

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Jokanovic will almost certainly make widespread changes, handing starts to the like of Brewster and Billy Sharp in attack.

Michael Verrips should replace first-choice goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, while Jayden Bogle and Chris Basham will expect to line up in defence.

Luke Freeman could be included in midfield, but Enda Stevens remains absent through injury.

Goalkeeper Lukas Jensen is in contention to make his Carlisle debut after signing on loan from Burnley.

Former Queens Park Rangers youngster Manasse Mampala may feature in attack, while Gime Toure is an option on the flank.

Sheffield United possible starting lineup:

Verrips; Bogle, Basham, Robinson, Osborn; Fleck, Freeman, Norwood, McGoldrick; Brewster, Sharp

Carlisle United possible starting lineup:

Jensen; Tanner, Whelan, McDonald, Armer; Riley, Guy, Mellish; Alessandra, Mampala, Toure

We say: Sheffield United 2-0 Carlisle United

Regardless of the team put out by Jokanovic, the Blades will be clear favourites to prevail from this contest. With that in mind, we expect a relatively comfortable night for the home side.