Sheffield United return to Bramall Lane on Friday night to host Wrexham in a Championship fixture. The Blades will aim to build on the momentum from their 1-0 away win at Bristol City last weekend, a result sealed by Oliver Arblaster's fifth-minute strike on Saturday 17 October.
Oliver Arblaster's early goal secured the three points at Ashton Gate, a result that ended a run of four consecutive league defeats. That sequence, which included losses to Portsmouth, Stoke City, Fleetwood Town and Wolves, had seen the team drop down the standings. The recent form over the last five matches shows just one win and four defeats. The win over Bristol City provided a vital boost ahead of this week's match against Derby County and the upcoming visit of Wrexham. The team's next fixture is a home match against Derby on Saturday 24 October.
Manager Mikel Carrick is expected to keep faith with a similar side to the one that started against Bristol City. That lineup featured Cooper in goal, with a back four of Japhet Tanganga, McGuinness, Kitching and Burrows. Tanganga was on the scoresheet in the recent 3-2 defeat at Portsmouth, with Cannon also scoring in that match. The midfield quartet of Brereton, Kalvin Phillips, Oliver Arblaster and Tahith Chong supported forwards Cannon and Ayew.
Wrexham arrive in Sheffield after a convincing 4-1 home victory over Preston North End. Their recent form has been mixed, with a defeat to West Bromwich Albion and a draw at Derby County preceding that win.
Sheffield United's top scorer this season is Patrick Bamford, who has netted four times in ten appearances. The team's immediate focus, however, is on Friday's fixture under the lights at Bramall Lane, kicking off at 8pm. Following that, they prepare for a home game against Derby County next Tuesday.
