Match Preview: Sheffield Utd vs Sunderland AFC
Today at 06:04 AM
Sunderland AFC look to get back to winning ways as they travel to high flying Sheffield United at Bramall Lane in the Sky Bet Championship on Friday evening.
The opposition preview:
Chris Wilder's side have won five and drawn one in their last six outings; entering the international break they put up a strong unbeaten run seeing an infamous victory in the Steel City Derby beating Sheffield Wednesday 1-0.
In their return, the Blades faced Coventry City to come away with just the point following an entertaining 2-2 draw with first half goals from Tyrese Campbell and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi.
Swiftly onto their next game, they triumphed against newly promoted Oxford United in a 3-0 win with Callum O’Hare, Campbell and Rak Sakyi all getting on the scoresheet.
Regis Le Bris' men drew their fifth game in a row following a 0-0 draw against West Bromwich Albion. The Baggies' defense was resolute throughout the full 90 as the Mackem’s struggled to break the deadlock.
Last time out:
Sunderland's previous two meetings against the Blades has resulted with both 2-1 losses in their return season back into the Championship.
Team news:
Sunderland are still without key players such as Romaine Mundle who has a hamstring issue and Alan Browne who fractured a bone in his leg. Both are estimated to be out for around six-eight weeks.
It is likely that Le Bris will name a similar 11 as he did for the game on Tuesday against the Baggies following the recent returns of Trai Hume, Patrick Roberts and Jobe Bellingham all coming back from suspensions.
Sheffield United will field a similar lineup on Friday to what we saw on Tuesday night. They have defender Anel Ahmedhodzic remaining suspended and midfielder Oliver Arblaster injured along with attackers Kieffer Moore and Rhian Brewster sidelined by injury issues.
Players to watch:
The Blades have a star loanee in Rak-Sakyi from Premier League side Crystal Palace. He has registered four goals and two assists in 16 games.
Another one is star midfielder Gus Hamer who has been a revelation in the Blades in a bid for their promotion bid. The 27-year-old has an impressive tally of four goals and four assists in 16 games.
