Sheffield Wednesday vs Sheffield United – Preview | OneFootball

We have arrived at the first Steel City derby of the 2025/26 Championship campaign. Sheffield United make a short trip across the city to Hillsborough to face Sheffield Wednesday, a win for both sides, particularly the Blades, could be the catalyst they need to gain some real momentum and climb out of the relegation zone.

In truth, Wednesday being at the bottom of the league at this stage was completely expected of them. A 12-point deduction was always on the cards. But, to be fair to the Owls, they’ve shown some serious resilience of late earning a point against both West Bromwich Albion and Norwich City, though last time out they lost 3-1 to Southampton.

The Blades have struggled all season, and even rival fans across the city did not expect United to be 22nd in the table when the first was upon us, but that’s the situation they’re in. After three defeats and conceding three goals in each of them, United entered the international break with a goalless draw against QPR at Bramall Lane.

Flashback to the Blades Doing the Double over Sheffield Wednesday Last Season

Sheffield United did the double over Sheffield Wednesday last season on their way to a third-place finish. This was the first time since the 2008/09 Championship campaign that either side were able to record a double in the derby.

A 1-0 win at Bramall Lane in the November fixture last term really instilled belief in United at the time. Gustavo Hamer and Callum O’Hare were heavily involved in the goal which Tyrese Campbell dispatched in front of the Kop end. Unfortunately, Oliver Arblaster would get injured in that game, and somewhat poetically, he is in line to return to the matchday squad on Sunday afternoon for this Steel City derby fixture.

Then, fast forward to March, Tyrese Campbell set up Rhian Brewster for a tap-in in front of the Hillsborough Kop as the Blades secured another 1-0 win.

These wins extended Chris Wilder’s record in Steel City fixtures to three wins and three draws, including five clean sheets. In terms of the league, this is the longest unbeaten streak either team has had in the history of this rivalry.

Team News

Wednesday have a plethora of doubts for the derby, including: Di’shon Bernard, Earnie Weaver, George Brown, Nathaniel Chalobah, Olaf Kobacki and Pierce Charles.

The Owls could hand a debut to veteran central defender Liam Cooper after Wednesday were recently given clearance to sign free agents.

The Blades could have all three of Gustavo Hamer, Oliver Arblaster and Tahith  Chong back on Sunday. Wilder said, via The Star, “We’ve missed Chong, hopefully we’re getting Tyrese Campbell to where he should be, and Danny Ings as well. Callum, I’ve got to say, has been a shining light in a poor start for the football club to the season. So he needs to keep doing what he’s been doing.

“Arblaster is touch and go [after] what he’s been through, as a local boy and I understand his frustration as well. Suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury in the first Sheffield derby last season, wanting to play on at half-time. I can see it now, him on the bike in the changing room saying he’s okay and the doctors saying there’s absolutely no way.”

Meanwhile, there is fresh injury concern regarding Chiedozie Ogbene after the right winger was forced off in his appearance for Ireland during international duty with what’s being described as a hamstring issue.

Sheffield Wednesday’s Impact Player For This Game

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 10: Barry Bannan of Sheffield Wednesday applauds the fans after the team’s defeat in the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United FC and Sheffield Wednesday FC at Bramall Lane on November 10, 2024 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Ed Sykes/Getty Images)

Say what you want about Barry Bannan, but you cannot question his loyalty to Sheffield Wednesday. And really, he’s the one that makes the Owls function. Compared to other Championship midfielders this season, the Scottish midfielder is averaging eight progressive passes per 90 (98th percentile), and he averages over two key passes per 90 (98th percentile). On top of that, Bannan averages over 4.5 shot-creating actions per 90, ranking him in the 97th percentile.

Shutting down Bannan could massively hinder Wednesday’s ability to function in the middle of the park. And it’s the midfield which the Blades have struggled in for large parts of the season in terms of setting the tempo, progressing the ball and also screening the defence.

Bannan has five goal contributions this term, and if Wednesday are to score for the first time in five games against the Blades they will need him to show up and produce a moment of magic.

Sheffield United’s Impact Player For This Game

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 01: Callum O’Hare of Sheffield United during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United and Derby County at Bramall Lane on November 01, 2025 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Harriet Massey/Getty Images)

It’s difficult to even predict United’s starting eleven for Sunday given the number of potential injured players that could return to the side. Through all of the difficulties United have faced this campaign, Callum O’Hare has been the standout player by some distance.

O’Hare has been involved in over 50% of United’s league goals this season (six goal contributions from United’s 11 total goals). But, it’s his overall work rate that’s most impressive. The tireless attacking midfielder presses from the front, which is a big reason for United’s second-best return of 110 high turnovers in the league. Plus, he gives flexibility to the side by being able to play as a number ten or down either flank.

His creative numbers do not jump off the page, but O’Hare’s decision-making and end product this season has been so much better than it was last season. He’s always consistently driven at defences heading towards the box, and now he has the composure and confidence to play a disguised pass or take the shot on himself. And with athleticism around him with the likes of Tyrese Campbell and Andre Brooks, this makes the Blades difficult to defend when they attack quickly.

My Prediction

This Steel City clash may pit the bottom of the league against the 22nd-placed side, that doesn’t mean it’s any less important though. In fact, according to Opta’s expected league table, United should be 13th, whilst Wednesday should still be bottom of the league.

The Blades are roughly two non-penalty expected goals better than the Owls offensively, and they are over six non-penalty expected goals better defensively. So the underlying numbers are in United’s favour.

It’s worth mentioning that Wednesday have committed eight errors which have led to shots on goal. Considering United are the second-best team at forcing high turnovers, this could be an aspect of the game which tips it in the away side’s favour.

After speaking to fans of both sides this week, neither set of supporters are confident in getting a result, which to be fair is normally the case in this fixture. A United victory could be the catalyst to kick-start their season. Wednesday probably know that, and they’d love to inflict even more misery on the Blades.

I think both sides will be extremely cautious in this one and in the end a goalless draw could be the more likely result on the cards. That’s my final prediction, Sheffield Wednesday 0-0 Sheffield United.

Stats taken from FBref and Opta.