Alongside trying to strengthen their squad ahead of tonight’s 11pm transfer deadline, Sheffield United also have three points to fight for on the pitch this evening.
The Blades welcome Bolton Wanderers to Bramall Lane with the ambition of securing their first Championship victory of the season after playing out a third successive draw at the weekend, a 2-2 stalemate with Cardiff City at the Cardiff City Stadium.
United were second best for long spells of the contest in the Welsh capital but did just enough to hold on and return to Sheffield with a point in the bag, preserving their unbeaten start to the season in both league and cup competitions.
With Callum O’Hare poised to seal a deadline day move to Wrexham, his place in the team will need to be filled against Wanderers, who have won just one of their opening three matches this term. Ahead of tonight’s S2 clash, The Star has had a stab at predicting the team Blades chief Chris Wilder might pick.
1. GK: Michael Cooper
Although he would not have been pleased with either of the two goals United conceded against Cardiff, Cooper made eight saves in total, including five from inside the penalty area. He is a guaranteed starter whenever he is fit and available. | Getty Images
2. RB: Matt Doherty
With Femi Seriki sidelined, Doherty will be desperate to secure his first Championship appearance of the season by earning a start against Bolton. Jamal Baptiste was deployed at right-back against Cardiff, meaning Doherty failed to make it off the bench. However, the former Wolverhampton Wanderers man is a natural fit in the position, which could see him come into the starting XI. Hamza Choudury might feature from the bench. | Christof Koepsel/Getty Images
3. CB: Japhet Tanganga
With his centre-back options limited, Wilder does not have much room to mix things up. Nevertheless, Tanganga, as captain, is always a nailed-on starter, and his place in the starting XI is not in doubt. | Getty Images
4. CB: Mark McGuinness
Facing an uncertain future at Bramall Lane only a few weeks ago, McGuinness is now one of the very first names on the teamsheet. He has made a strong start to the season, building a strong relationship with Tanganga in the heart of the defence. | Sportimage