Chris Wilder is likely to make changes for the Carabao Cup trip to Fleetwood Town tomorrow evening, as he balances his desire to progress in the competition with the need to manage some of his players’ workloads.
The Blades boss has already shut down the idea that he will field a bunch of young players at Highbury but it’s also a good chance for some of his main actors to get a rare midweek rest amid a schedule Wilder has described as “ridiculous.”
“I want us to be consistent in our approach, and we're going to have to be if we're going to get a result,” Wilder said. “This is a tie that we need to get right, physically and mentally.
“And if we do, we give ourselves, obviously, with the quality that we've got, an opportunity of getting through. I want us to get through. I want us to go and pull a big name out on Wednesday night, whether it's home and away.
“At this stage of the competition, it is loaded with Premier League teams and I want to reward our supporters with one of those ties, at home or away. But as always, to get there, we've got to deal with Fleetwood on Wednesday night, and I don't want an upset. I don't want that to be happening to our football club.”
United could come up against three former Blades on the coast, the most notable being ex-striker Ched Evans. But what will the Blades side be? We tasked our man to come up with his predicted XI - has he got it just about right or would you do anything differently?
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1. Adam Davies
Could get the nod in goal with Michael Cooper potentially rested, while Davies will be keen to show he remains a reliable option when called upon. He played in the last round at Blackburn and it's a good chance to keep him relatively sharp | Sportimage
2. Jamie Shackleton
A chance to come into the side and offer energy and versatility. He can operate at right-back and does so in my shape, offering Choudhury a much-needed rest, and can play elsewhere if Wilder needs to change things during the game. | Sportimage
3. Matt Doherty
His experience makes him a natural option for a cup tie, although he is still building up his fitness after joining United without a full pre-season. He's very comfortable on the right of a back three and plays there in my team | Christof Koepsel/Getty Images
4. Mark McGuinness
Came back into the side on Sunday against Wolves and could be handed another opportunity to impress in the heart of the defence. His physical presence should be useful against a Fleetwood side likely to make the game competitive - especially one Chedwyn Evans | Sportimage