A fast start could be key to Sheffield United’s hopes of getting the better of Lincoln City this weekend.

Following a run of four defeats in five matches prior to the international break, Sheffield United will be hoping to bounce back when they resume their Championship campaign this weekend.

The Blades signed off for the three-week pause with a narrow 2-1 defeat to Stoke City at the bet365 Stadium, leaving them 18th in the table, four points shy of the play-off places and four points above the relegation zone.

United, as their league position suggests, have experienced an indifferent start to the campaign, winning two, drawing three and losing two of their first eight Championship matches this season, meaning they are still searching for consistency.

Although United’s results have been up and down so far this term, it has been their performances that have irked many supporters most, with their showings offering little to inspire confidence. It is hoped, therefore, that a three-week hiatus without a game will have given manager Chris Wilder the time to put together a blueprint that can hopefully trigger an upturn in fortunes.

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There is no such thing as an easy game in the Championship, but there is no doubt that a lot of people had written Lincoln City off before the first ball had been kicked this season. Despite storming their way to the League One title last term and winning 103 points in the process, the Imps are widely considered the little fish in a big pond amid their 65-year absence from the second tier.

However, despite losing boss Michael Skubala and star player Jack Moylan during the summer, they have made an excellent start to life in the Championship, earning 11 points from their first eight games, putting them 12th in the table.

The Imps have won three of their first eight matches, recording each of those three victories in their last three away games, meaning they will be targeting a fourth win on the spin when they arrive at Bramall Lane on Saturday afternoon.

Each of the Imps’ three wins this season has been sealed by a 1-0 scoreline, meaning they have quickly established themselves as a tough nut to crack. Having conceded just eight goals so far this term, only Swansea City (six) and QPR (seven) have conceded fewer goals than Tom Shaw and Chris Cohen’s side, who have also kept a joint-best four clean sheets so far this term.

Lincoln City are not to be underestimated. | Getty Images

placeholder image — Lincoln City are not to be underestimated. | Getty Images

When it comes to the eye test, Lincoln are not the most enterprising or exciting team to watch. They are masters at soaking up pressure and hurting teams with their direct style of play when they have possession. For example, despite winning the League One title last term, they averaged just 42.3 per cent possession per 90 minutes — the lowest of all 24 sides.

Having won 1-0 away from home against Bolton Wanderers, Preston North End and Bristol City so far this term, the Imps, who also pushed Middlesbrough every step of the way before being beaten 2-1 at the Riverside on the opening day of the season, have demonstrated that they can sit deep, contain teams and make life difficult for them.

Amid United’s struggles to create chances so far this season, Lincoln, it seems, are not the ideal opponent for the Blades to be facing at a juncture when the pressure is on to try to get a result.

United have been slow starters this season, scoring the first goal in just one of their first eight league matches. They have also failed to head into the half-time interval with their noses in front on home soil so far this term, registering a collective first-half xG (expected goals) of 1.05 over the course of their first four home games of the season.

Sheffield United have struggled for goals at Bramall Lane so far this season. | Jake Youle / Sportimage.

Lincoln, meanwhile, have only lost two games so far this season when they have avoided conceding in the first half, suggesting they grow in confidence as long as their clean sheet remains intact.

Amid that Lincoln strength, it feels imperative that United set their stall out as early as possible against the Imps on Saturday afternoon, take the game to them, attempt to get their noses in front and take a lead into half-time for the first time at Bramall Lane this term.

If Lincoln are forced to chase the game, it will require them to leave gaps and create space that United will look to exploit. Never has the first goal felt so crucial.