Sheffield United: How Chris Wilder could throw Brighton a curve ball at the AMEX Stadium this weekend

But as Sheffield United contemplate the upheaval Fleck’s suspension will cause to their midfield - the Scotland international collected his fifth Premier League caution against Aston Villa last weekend - Wilder could, thanks to a series of astute acquisitions during the close season, chose to throw Brighton and Hove Albion a curve ball ahead of Saturday’s visit to the AMEX Stadium.

After stepping off the bench during United’s wins over both Dean Smith’s side and Norwich City six days earlier, Besic is in pole position to deputise for Fleck when Wilder’s squad face Albion for the first time since January 2006.

By the United manager’s own admission, the Bosnia and Herzegovina star was close to making his first top-flight start for the club when Villa travelled north having impressed at Carrow Road.

Although that did not materialise, Wilder instead choosing not to break up what he later described as the “superb” triumvirate of Oliver Norwood, John Lundstram and Fleck, referee Peter Bankes’ decision to book the latter for a “non-contact” foul on John McGinn means United’s coaching staff now have no choice but to make a change.

Besic hopes that will work to his advantage.

But others, including Luke Freeman and Ravel Morrison, could persuade Wilder to look elsewhere should he decide a change of tactics, as well as personal, is required against opponents who enjoyed exactly two thirds of the possession during Monday’s draw at Crystal Palace.

This follows returns of 62 per cent, 51 per cent and 55 per cent during meetings with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Arsenal and Liverpool. Although the figure at Anfield was probably skewed by the fact the hosts finished the contest with 10 men, Albion clearly like to dominate the ball.

“There’s different ways of playing,” Wilder said.

“We’ve seen a couple (of teams) look to sit back against us but there are going to be matches coming up where I don’t think that’s going to be the case, necessarily.”

On the surface, given his defensive and physical qualities, that would seem to only strengthen Besic’s candidacy. The 27-year-old’s presence, positional sense and ability to cover ground quickly could prove invaluable if, as expected, Albion look to pass United into submission.

But Wilder is, by instinct, a bold rather than cautious coach. So although it would be a surprise, he might attempt to fight fire with fire by opting for the more attack-minded Morrison or Freeman instead. It would change the dynamic of United’s play. But also, potentially, force his counterpart Graham Potter to alter Albion’s approach as well.

Morrison, who solitary league outing this term came during August’s defeat by Leicester City, would be the most creative but surprising option given his lack of action since arriving in South Yorkshire. Freeman, previously of Queens Park Rangers, also joined United following their promotion from the Championship and has featured regularly in their matchday squads. More adaptable - like former Nottingham Forest midfielder Ben Osborn, he can also be deployed as a wing-back - Freeman enjoys running at defenders. This could prove persuasive for Wilder, with the towering Dan Burn and combative Lewis Dunk set to anchor Albion’s rearguard.

Besic, however, still seems likely to get the nod.

“It’s important to give yourself the chance of being able to adapt, to mix things up a bit,” Wilder said. “That was one of the things we looked to do over the summer; bring in people who brought different things to the table.”