How Sheffield United can exploit injury-hit Derby County
How can United beat injury struck Derby on Saturday?
Sheffield United host a struggling Derby County side at Bramall Lane on Saturday, so how can Blades boss Chris Wilder take advantage of their poor form?
Despite United ranking 10th in goals scored in the division with 15, Derby are amongst the worst defensive sides this season, providing a great opportunity for United to secure back-to-back wins for the first time this season.
Derby have conceded 20 goals in 11 league games, averaging 1.82 per match. Only three Championship sides have conceded more goals per game.
On top of that, the Rams’ away record doesn’t help their case. They’ve shipped ten goals in only five away matches in the league this season and scored only five goals.
Speaking to BBC Radio Derby after their 1-0 defeat to Stoke City at Pride Park last Saturday, Derby County boss John Eustace admitted they ‘don’t have many natural goalscorers in the team’, with Sammie Szmodics leading their goal-scoring charts with only three in all competitions.
Many Rams fans were left annoyed after his comments, pointing out that former Premier League players Carlton Morris and Szmodics are fit, and both greatly contributed to Derby’s goals last season.
So, what’s going wrong for United’s latest opponent and how can Wilder capitalise on their injury woes?
In short, Derby are massively short of options at the back. Their first, second and third choice centre-backs, Matt Clarke, Sondre Langas and Eiran Cashin, are all injured. This has forced Eustace into playing right-back Ryan Nyambe as a makeshift centre-back, which is an area that United will look to threaten. If Wilder opts for his trusted 4-4-2, playing two strikers combined with the dynamic runs offered by the Blades midfield could leave Derby vulnerable at the back.
The back line lacks pace; a great opportunity for the likes of Tom Cannon to run in behind and run the channels, which will suit him perfectly. Wingers Ryan One, Tahith Chong and Romelle Donovan could also thrive if they aim to capitalise on Derby’s slow defence.
United could run riot in the middle of the park on Saturday as United clear Derby in that area of the pitch in quality and depth. David Ozoh is fit, but there are question marks as to whether skipper Lewis Travis will be available after he picked up a knock against Stoke last weekend.
The midfield depth at Wilder’s disposal could prove to be his biggest asset on Saturday, especially after Derby’s midfielders tire out in the second half.