Sheffield United aim to build on their midweek win when they host Championship strugglers Derby County at Bramall Lane on Saturday. The Blades, 11th in the table, face a Rams side sitting 23rd with just one win all season. Their next fixture is at home to Derby on Saturday 24 October.
Chris Wilder's side secured a 1-0 victory at Bristol City on Tuesday, ending a run of four consecutive defeats. Oliver Arblaster's early goal at Ashton Gate was enough to secure three points and lift the mood after a difficult spell. Their recent form over the last five games shows just one win and four losses, a sequence they are desperate to improve. This run of one win and four defeats includes a 3-2 loss at Portsmouth on Wednesday 14 October, where goals from Japhet Tanganga and Thomas Cannon were not enough, and a 1-0 home defeat to Wolves on 13 September.
Derby arrive in Sheffield having lost their last two matches, including a 4-1 defeat at Queens Park Rangers.
Head-to-head advantage
Recent history heavily favours the home side. Sheffield United have won four of the last five meetings between the two clubs, including a 2-1 victory in their most recent encounter. The Blades' home form at Bramall Lane this season has been mixed, with two wins, one draw and two defeats from their last five outings there.
Derby's away record offers little encouragement, with just one win and one draw from their last five trips. The visitors will be without several key players, though the Blades have their own concerns. Patrick Bamford, the club's top scorer with four goals this season, will be a focal point for the attack.
Saturday's match kicks off at 12:30 and is a key opportunity for United to climb the standings. A win could see them close in on the playoff places, while defeat for Derby would deepen their relegation worries.
