Sheffield United Boss Makes Rotation Admission as Blades Set to Take on “Big Challenge” of Southampton | OneFootball

Sheffield United head into Tuesday night’s clash with Southampton hoping to carry momentum from their first league victory of the season.

Chris Wilder’s side edged past Oxford United 1-0 at the weekend, thanks to a resolute defensive display and a stroke of fortune when the hosts struck the post in the dying moments.

For Southampton, Will Still’s men were held to a 1-1 draw at home by league leaders Middlesbrough on Saturday and find themselves with just seven points from their opening fixtures, sitting two points above the relegation zone.

Injury News Ahead of Sheffield United vs Southampton

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 14: Will Still, Manager of Southampton, reacts during the Sky Bet Championship match between Southampton and Portsmouth at St Mary’s Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Cameron Howard/Getty Images)

Wilder confirmed that Tom Davies and Danny Ings are both in line to feature on Tuesday, providing the Blades with valuable experience in midfield and attack. However, versatile midfielder Tahith Chong will miss out after suffering a knee issue in the warm-up at Oxford, with scans set to determine the extent of the damage.

Southampton’s injury concerns are less severe. Brazilian left-back Wellington is expected to be absent with an ankle problem, but Still otherwise has a strong squad to choose from.

Sheffield United Boss on Experienced Players

The Blades boss has been vocal about the need for seasoned players to guide what remains a young squad. Summer arrival Ben Mee earned praise for his contribution against Oxford, and Wilder revealed the former Burnley and Brentford man had been close to starting sooner.

“Ben Mee’s got plenty of plaudits for his performance at the weekend. He’s a smart signing. I like the idea of Ben coming into the football club,” Wilder told SUTV. “Last season we were the third youngest group in the division, so getting Ben in the team is really important.”

The manager also highlighted the importance of Davies and Ings:

“Tom Davies coming back into the group, he will be involved Tuesday night, and Danny Ings is really key. I can give them all the messages, but when you’ve got the likes of really good solid pros like Ben, Danny, and Tom, they’re setting that message as well.”

Chris Wilder Previews Southampton Challenge And Reveals That Rotation is Likely

OXFORD, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 27: Callum O’Hare of Sheffield United celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Oxford United and Sheffield United at Kassam Stadium on September 27, 2025 in Oxford, England. (Photo by Cameron Howard/Getty Images)

With the first three-game week of the season underway, Wilder admitted his squad are still working towards full fitness. Rotation is likely as he looks to balance workload and keep players fresh.

“[It will influence selection] because I don’t think physically we’re in a place I’d like us to be individually and as a team,” he said. “We’ll get up to speed, not to break anybody, and everybody to be ready, which they are.”

Despite Southampton’s slow start, Wilder is under no illusions about the challenge his side face at Bramall Lane.

“I’m not really interested in what their situation is,” he said. “I respect the players they’ve got. You look at their teamsheet and their bench, it’s still a team that can go very, very well. They’ve come down and are expecting to go straight back up. It’s a big challenge and a big task.”

Sheffield United have a chance to string together positive results on Tuesday evening as they look to flip the script on their early season form and climb off the foot of the Championship table.