Sheffield United, nicknamed the Blades, are a Premier League football club based in the Yorkshire city of the same name and their rivals also play in the city. Sheffield Wednesday are a big club who have also played in the top flight, and whether these two sides meet, the game is dubbed the ‘Steel City Derby’ as a reference to the city’s impact on the steel industry going back into history.
They were formed in 1889 and play their games at Bramall Lane, a 32,000-seater stadium. United will be aiming to make a real impact on their return to the Premier League, having been relegated in their last campaign back in 2007. On that occasion, they attempted to get West Ham deducted points for the illegal signing of Carlos Tevez, who scored crucial goals to help the Hammers survive, but they failed and the East Londoners were fined over £5milllion. The club have won one league title, the year before their actual formation, as well as three FA Cup four times in; 1899, 1902, 1915 and 1925.
There are a number of big name players who have gone on to great things, having began their careers at United. One of the first to come through the ranks in recent times is Phil Jagielka, who was a staple player under Neil Warnock during their last Premier League campaign before leaving for Everton. Twelve years later, upon his release from Goodison Park, he returned to the Blades. Kyle Walker, a Premier League winner with Manchester City, and Harry Maguire, the most expensive defender ever after his £80million move from Leicester to Manchester United this summer, began their careers at the club.
Sheffield United squad 2019/20
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson, Simon Moore
Defenders: George Baldock, Enda Stevens, Jack O’Connell, John Egan, Jake Wright, Kieran Freeman, Richard Stearman, Kean Bryan, Phil Jagielka
Midfielders: John Fleck, Chris Basham, John Lundstram, Oliver Norwood, Mark Duffy, Marvin Johnson, Ben Osborn, Ravel Morrison
Forwards: Billy Sharp, David McGoldrick, Luke Freeman, Ollie McBurnie, Callum Robinson, Lys Mousset
Sheffield United season predictions 2019/2020
Sheffield United are back in the top flight after 12 years away, having come up as runners up last season. Chris Wilder, a local man and Blades supporter, has done everything on a budget while playing an excellent style of football. They’ve progressed slowly but surely, developing together well. Wilder hasn’t gone out and spent crazy money this summer, though the club has broken its transfer record three times. Ben Osborn, Lys Mousset and Ollie McBurnie will all hugely improve the side, with the latter needing to carry his Swansea form into the Premier League if they are to survive this season. But the key to their success could be unlocking the troubled genius of Ravel Morrison; the English playmaker has been given another chance in the top flight after time in Sweden.
As impressive as Wilder has proven himself at Bramall Lane, it’ll be tough to see them surviving because of the lack of quality. But the experience of Phil Jagielka could make a difference.
Sheffield United best betting offers of the season
Chris Wilder to leave his job by May 5/4 @ Betfair
To finish bottom 11/4 @ Betfair
To stay up 10/11 @ Betfair
