Sheffield United will be targeting a winning start to the 2026/27 Championship campaign when they welcome Birmingham City to Bramall Lane at teatime on Saturday.
The Blades, who lost each of their first six Championship matches last season, made a winning start last weekend, beating League One side Mansfield Town 3-0 in the first round of the Carabao Cup at the One Call Stadium.
That created some much-needed positivity following what had been a frustrating summer off the pitch at Bramall Lane due to a lack of transfer activity. However, United secured their fourth signing of the summer on Tuesday, re-signing former loanee Kalvin Phillips from Manchester City to add to the earlier additions of Jaïro Riedewald, Romelle Donovan and Matt Doherty.
Blades manager Chris Wilder did not report any fresh injury concerns when he spoke to the media on Friday morning, meaning it looks as though he will have plenty of options to choose from.
Ahead of their clash with Birmingham, here is how The Star thinks United could line up...
5. LB: Sam McCallum
After missing the victory over Mansfield through illness, McCallum is back in the fold this weekend, and he will be targeting a place in the starting XI. He was one of United's most improved players last season, meaning it was unfortunate his campaign ended in January because of an injury. | Sportimage
6. RM: Tahith Chong
Despite being forced off in the first half against Mansfield, Chong is in contention to start against his former club. He is set to battle it out with Brentford loanee Romelle Donovan for a place on the right wing this season after United sold Andre Brooks to Norwich City. | Sportimage
7. CM: Sydie Peck
Peck started and completed last weekend’s win over Mansfield, meaning he is highly likely to start against Birmingham. The England youth international has been linked with other clubs at various stages throughout the summer, but he remains a Blade, with Wilder expected to continue putting plenty of faith in him. | Getty Images
8. CM: Joe Rothwell
Following Kalvin Phillips’ return to S2, United now have five midfielders competing for two places. It means Rothwell, should he get the nod against Birmingham, will be determined to leave his calling card. Alongside Phillips, Oliver Arblaster and Jaïro Riedewald are waiting in the wings to try to dislodge Peck and Rothwell from the team after they started against Mansfield. | Getty Images