Sheffield United vs Wolverhampton Wanderers – Preview | OneFootball

Sheffield United play hosts to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday midday at Bramall Lane in the EFL Championship.

The Blades head into this fixture having successfully grinded out a 2-1 comeback victory away at Blackburn Rovers in midweek, largely engineered by Sydie Peck.

Wolves visit Bramall Lane having drawn 2-2 with rivals Birmingham City last weekend. They have conceded six goals in their last two matches, but also scored four times; they are currently the team to watch in terms of entertainment value thus far in the Championship.

Team News

Chris Wilder will continue to be without a large bulk of United’s depth. Tahith Chong, Ryan Oné and Femi Seriki are all still trending to come back into the side after the upcoming international break. Meanwhile, Kalvin Phillips continues to build up fitness in hope of making a league start.

Wolves boss Cesar Peixoto could be without experienced right-back Kieran Trippier, who is dealing with a knee injury. To add, Colombian defender Yerson Mosquera is a doubt for the trip to South Yorkshire with a thigh issue. Other than that, the visitors arguably boast the best overall squad in the entire division, with strength in depth across the entire pitch.

Sheffield United’s Impact Player For This Game

Mark McGuinness celebrates his goal with teammates Oliver Arblaster and Tom Cannon against Mansfield Town in the EFL Cup. (Image Credit: Sheffield United Football Club).

United are yet to find consistency in terms of performances this season; their wins have been hard-fought and the complete opposite to being easy on the eye. That being said, in the midst of the struggles, Tom Cannon has begun to find his feet in a Sheffield United shirt. The striker has found the net twice in five matches in the Championship, and you can add another goal to his name in the EFL Cup.

Much has been said about the Blades’ strike force this term. Patrick Bamford looks a yard slower than last season, Tyrese Campbell is still trying to get into peak condition, and Ryan Oné has been on the treatment table. Plus, the eyebrow raising recent addition of 35-year-old Jordan Ayew. However, it is fair to suggest Cannon has shown enough in the opening weeks to be labelled as the first choice striker heading into this weekend.

Cannon is consistently running the channels and engaging defenders in duels more than any other of United’s forwards. And, the 23-year-old currently boasts a 40% goal conversion rate.

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Impact Player For This Game

22-year-old Spaniard Fer Lopez has started off the Championship campaign in fine form, netting three times and adding two assists from attacking midfield. He is keeping busy in the attacking third, averaging three shots per game as well as two key passes per game.

The Blades have struggled in the middle of the park all season, and Lopez can exploit the rocky start from United. He has bags of energy and skill, averaging a 70% dribble success rate, so the likes of Peck must be on their A-game defensively.

Lopez isn’t just a creator and flair player, though. The Spanish midfielder does work hard, averaging over seven duels won per game, in addition to averaging over three defensive contributions per game.

My Prediction

This should be an entertaining game for the neutrals on Sunday midday. Wolves have been involved in 23 goals already this term, while United have conceded at least one goal in their last five matches.

The away side are just coming down from the Premier League, whereas the Blades have navigated this summer without parachute payments. You can see that on paper when you compare both squads, and I think you will be able to clearly tell on Sunday on the pitch.

Unfortunately, I have no confidence in United getting anything from this game. I’m going for Wolverhampton Wanderers to win at Bramall Lane 3-1.

Stats taken from Fotmob.