Has the International Break Come At the Right Time For Sheffield United? | OneFootball

Sheffield United battled to a goalless draw against Queens Park Rangers at Bramall Lane, taking a hard-earned point into the international break.

Despite dominating possession for large spells, United struggled to find a breakthrough against a disciplined QPR side that sat deep and frustrated the hosts.

Danny Ings came close with a diving header that forced a fine save from Ben Hamer. The best chance of the first half fell to Tyrese Campbell, who burst into space and fired across goal, only for his shot to skim past the far post with Hamer beaten.

United pushed hard for a winner in the second period. Substitute Tom Davies injected energy and nearly unlocked the defence with a through ball to Campbell, only for Jimmy Dunne to produce a superb recovery tackle. Chiedozie Ogbene then whipped in a dangerous cross to the far post, where McCallum’s header seemed destined for the bottom corner until Hamer’s outstretched arm denied him.

Sydie Peck, who is yet to score a senior goal for the Blades came inches away from scoring a winner when his deflected effort in stoppage time struck the post and bounced out.

Has the International Break Come at the Right Time For Sheffield United?

As the league action pauses for the international break, attention now turns to the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. With many fans already thinking ahead to 2026, Livefootballtickets explains how to buy World Cup 2026 tickets, as we look forward to next summer in North America.

The international fixtures provide a welcome breather for manager Chris Wilder, who has been juggling injuries, fitness issues and inconsistency in recent weeks since his return to the Bramall Lane dugout. This break will also allow the Blades to work on defensive structure; United had conceded three goals in three straight games before Saturday’s goalless draw to QPR.

Looking Ahead to the First Steel City Derby of the Season

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 10: Oliver Arblaster of Sheffield United is challenged by Shea Charles of Sheffield Wednesday during 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)

The upcoming clash after the international break could not be bigger. The Steel City Derby at Hillsborough awaits, and Wilder’s record against Sheffield Wednesday is unblemished with three victories and three draws, including five clean sheets in six outings against the Owls.

While Sheffield United sit 22nd in the Championship table, and Wednesday rock bottom after the points deduction, very few supporters and pundits alike would’ve predicted that the first derby of the campaign would be an all-bottom three affair. But after United’s disastrous start to the season that’s exactly what’s happened.

Despite their terrible standings in the table, there is a glimmer of hope for United. According to Opta’s expected league table, the Blades should be sat in 13th place, whereas Wednesday are exactly where they should be: at the foot of the table.