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...
9. LM: Callum O'Hare
Following Gustavo Hamer's return to Coventry City, there will be an even greater onus on O'Hare to provide goals and creativity. After scoring nine goals last season, he opened his account for this term against Mansfield, scoring United's third goal. He is a guaranteed starter against Birmingham. | Getty Images
10. ST: Patrick Bamford
Bamford needed just four minutes to score his first goal of the season, giving United an early lead against Mansfield last Sunday. That marked his 14th goal in just 30 appearances for the Blades since joining the club last November. If he can stay clear of the treatment room this season, there’s nothing to say he can’t enjoy a really fruitful campaign in front of goal. | Getty Images
11. ST: Tom Cannon
Recently linked with a surprise return to former club Preston North End, Cannon will be hoping to finally live up to expectations this season. His first 55 appearances for the Blades have yielded just seven goals, highlighting the need for a significant improvement. However, he looks set to partner Bamford in attack for this weekend’s Championship opener. | Sportimage