How Sheffield United could line up against Southampton

By Ben Knapton | 04 Mar 2021 10:27, Last updated: 04 Jun 2025 23:31

Sheffield United will be desperate to build on their crucial victory over Aston Villa when they welcome Southampton to Bramall Lane for Saturday's Premier League battle.

However, manager Chris Wilder has numerous selection dilemmas to ponder for this game, and his problems in defence were exacerbated in midweek as Phil Jagielka was given a straight red card for denying a goalscoring opportunity.

As a result, the 38-year-old is suspended for this fixture, and Wilder must also make do without his three first-choice centre-backs in Jack O'Connell, Chris Basham and John Egan due to injuries.

With Jack Robinson also struggling to shake off a foot problem and uncertain for this game, Ethan Ampadu and Kean Bryan could be joined in the rearguard by Max Lowe - a left-back by trade - unless Wilder switches to an unfamiliar back four to cope with a quartet of centre-backs sidelined.

The hosting manager will not want to make too many alterations at the other end of the pitch after their fourth win of the season, with Oliver Norwood, John Fleck and John Lundstram nailed on to start in midfield as Sander Berge and Jack Rodwell also remain in the treatment room.

George Baldock, who provided a terrific assist for David McGoldrick's winner in midweek, and Enda Stevens should also reprise their regular roles out wide, although Ben Osborn is an option for change on the left-hand side.

Wilder has hardly any options in defence but has no such concerns in attack, as the 53-year-old must choose one of five players to partner Wednesday's matchwinner McGoldrick, who is expected to keep his place.

Rhian Brewster partnered the Irishman from the start on Wednesday before being hauled off for Oliver Burke after 60 minutes, and while Billy Sharp and Lys Mousset are also waiting in the wings, Wilder could elect to hand Oli McBurnie another start this weekend.

Sheffield United possible starting lineup: Ramsdale; Ampadu, Bryan, Lowe; Baldock, Norwood, Fleck, Lundstram, Stevens; McGoldrick, McBurnie

> Click here to see how Southampton could line up for this clash