Sheffield United will be targeting a return to winning ways when they welcome Lincoln City to Bramall Lane on Saturday afternoon.
The Blades suffered their third defeat in their last four Championship outings before the international break, losing 2-1 to Stoke City at the bet365 Stadium. Late goals from Jack McGlynn and Sam Gallagher turned the game in the home side’s favour after Kalvin Phillips had earlier given the Blades the lead.
Having hit a rough patch before the international break, United will be hoping that the extended break came at the right time as they look to return to winning ways against a Lincoln side that has won each of its last three Championship away games without conceding a goal.
Regarding the team news, Blades boss Chris Wilder is hopeful of welcoming some key players back into the squad following injury ahead of the visit of the Imps. However, whether they will be deemed fit enough to start remains to be seen.
With that in mind, here is how The Star thinks United could line up against the Imps...
1. GK: Michael Cooper
An ever-present figure in the Championship so far this term, Cooper is expected to continue his run of starting every league game this term. He will be keen to mark the visit of Lincoln by securing his first clean sheet since the 0-0 draw with Swansea City on August 22. | ugc
2. RCB: Japhet Tanganga
Just like his goalkeeper, Tanganga has also been an ever present for the Blades in the Championship so far this season, meaning that run is likely to continue against the Imps. | ugc
3. CB: Mark McGuinness
After starting United's opening four Championship matches this season, centre-back McGuinness has only started one of the last four, getting the nod in the 1-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers. Lincoln are a physical team that a strong in the air, meaning a player of McGuinness size and stature could be useful for this one. He could be recalled to the starting XI. | ugc
4. LCB: Liam Kitching
Kitching has started each of the first four Championship matches he has been available for since joining United on loan from Coventry City on deadline day, and that run is expected to continue. He made two appearances for the Republic of Ireland during the international break. | ugc