Sheffield United aim to arrest a poor run of form when they visit Bristol City in the Championship this Saturday. The Blades have lost their last four matches in all competitions, a slide they are desperate to end at Ashton Gate.
Chris Wilder’s side sit 15th in the table with 12 points from 10 games, two points behind their hosts. Their most recent defeat was a dramatic 3-2 loss at Portsmouth on Tuesday, where they fought back from two goals down with 10 men only to concede a late winner. Patrick Bamford, with four goals in nine appearances this term, will lead the line again.
Defensive reshuffle required
Sheffield United must cope without the suspended Hamza Choudhury, who was sent off at Fratton Park. First-choice right-back Femi Seriki remains injured and Matt Doherty is unlikely to feature, which could force a tactical switch. Wilder may deploy a back three of Japhet Tanganga, Liam Kitching and Mark McGuinness, with Tahith Chong asked to fill in at right wing-back.
Kalvin Phillips impressed after coming off the bench in midweek following a brief injury layoff and could start alongside Sydie Peck in midfield. Tom Cannon, who scored in the comeback at Portsmouth, is expected to partner Bamford in attack.
Bristol City also seeking response
The hosts are also looking to bounce back from a 1-0 home defeat to Blackburn last weekend. Manager Michael Skubala is without several key defenders, with Rob Dickie and Eile sidelined and Lorent Tolaj unlikely to be fit. Lisav Eissat and Rob Atkinson should continue their partnership in central defence.
Dominic Ballard, who has three league goals since his summer arrival, will lead the line for City. The Robins have 14 points from their 10 league outings, having won four and lost four. Their home record this season shows two wins and three defeats from five games.
Sheffield United’s recent form reads one win and four defeats from their last five matches. Their sole victory in that sequence was a 3-0 home win over Lincoln City, where Bamford scored twice.
The match kicks off at 15:00 on Saturday at Ashton Gate. Wilder will hope his side can build on the spirit shown in their comeback at Portsmouth and secure a much-needed result to climb the standings.
