Scout report: How Sheffield United can unsettle Brighton & Hove Albion and exploit weak links this Saturday

To whet your appetite for the big match, which could see United move as high as fifth in the table if results go their way, here's an in-depth look at the Blades' opponents, and how Chris Wilder's side could go about beating them on Saturday.

What's the Seagulls' form like?

After a brutal run of fixtures that saw them lose a trio of games to Manchester United, Liverpool and Leicester City respectively, the Seagulls bounced back in style - taking down Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, and earning draws against both Wolves and Crystal Palace.

Who are the dangerous players Sheffield United need to look out for?

Well, they nearly signed one of them in the summer - Neal Maupay. The former Brentford man has stepped up to the challenge of top tier football with aplomb, and has scored in his last three matches.

Leandro Trossard is also one to watch out for - he's struggled with injuries this season, but is showing signs of getting back to his best, and could cause United's defence all manner of problems with his tenacious wing play on Saturday.

Pascal Gross is always a threat from a set-piece, too.

And what about the manager?

Graham Potter has just signed a new long-term deal with the club, despite only joining last summer. He's got his side playing an exciting brand of football, and they look more than capable of achieving a top-half finish under his watch.

He cut his managerial teeth in Sweden with Ostersund, where he had an excellent eight-year spell, before joining Swansea City in 2018.

The style of play?

They're certainly playing more attractive football than in the latter days of Chris Hughton's reign, that’s for sure. Potter has allowed his side to embrace their creative capabilities, and they've adopted a similarly gutsy approach that has served the Blades well this season.

Brighton also mix up their formation, switching from a 3-5-2 to a 4-2-3-1 at the drop of a hat. When playing the former, their centre-backs have been known to overlap and maraud forward - a tactic which certainly be familiar to Blades fans.

The Seagulls boast a wealth of quality, composed passers of the ball, with Aaron Mooy and Davy Propper both capable of bossing the midfield and retaining possession.

Any weaknesses to exploit?

Almost a quarter of the goals conceded by Albion this season have been from set-pieces or penalties, and Oli Norwood's pinpoint delivery could cause some havoc in the opposition box.

Pace has also caused Brighton some real problems this season, with Manchester United's Marcus Rashford and Crystal Palace's Wilfried Zaha both tearing their back line to pieces. While United don't have a player with quite as much zip as the aforementioned forwards, the likes of Lys Mousset and George Baldock are quick enough to give their defenders cause for concern.

In general, the Seagulls aren't the most mobile of sides, and if the Blades are at their relentless best going forward, then they could have their opponents on the ropes from the first whistle.