Sheffield United could make a statement by doing something for the first time in six months vs Portsmouth
Five pre-match talking points ahead of Sheffield United’s clash with Portsmouth at Fratton Park on Wednesday night.
Sheffield United will be hoping to build on Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Lincoln City when they take on Portsmouth at Fratton Park this evening.
The Blades, who have won each of their last three meetings with Pompey, got back on track with a comprehensive victory over the Imps, thanks to two goals from Patrick Bamford and Tahith Chong’s first for the club.
Following a run of three consecutive defeats before the international break, it was just the sort of boost the Blades and manager Chris Wilder needed at the start of a three-game week.
Ahead of the clash with John Mousinho’s side, here are five pre-match talking points:
Will Phillips start?
After missing Saturday’s victory over Lincoln City with a minor injury, Blades boss Wilder confirmed at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday that Kalvin Phillips will be available for the clash with Pompey.
The Manchester City loanee, who returned to Bramall Lane during the summer, was in a good place heading into the recent international break after scoring and completing 90 minutes in the Blades’ 2-1 defeat to Stoke City at the bet365 Stadium.
In his absence against Lincoln, Joe Rothwell came into the team and provided the assist for Chong to score the Blades’ second goal of the game, ensuring he made his mark. However, Phillips’ availability could convince Wilder to restore him to the starting XI immediately and deploy him alongside Sydie Peck in the centre of midfield.
Phillips and Peck had started the defeats to Wolverhampton Wanderers and Stoke before the international break, showing signs of developing an on-field rapport. With United on the road this evening, Phillips’ defensive strengths could see him restored to the team at the first available opportunity.
Targeting back-to-back wins
After ending their three-game losing run in all competitions with a three-point haul against Lincoln, United will be hoping to build on that result with another victory against Pompey. Consistency has been a problem for the Blades so far this season, as they have yet to win back-to-back games.
United last recorded back-to-back Championship wins in April, beating Hull City 2-1 at Bramall Lane before following that up with a 2-0 victory over Watford at Vicarage Road the following weekend.
Consistency and momentum can be invaluable in the Championship, particularly when fixtures come thick and fast, and the opportunity to pick up another three points just four days after the victory over Lincoln is one that Wilder and his players should relish.
Having won back-to-back Championship matches on only three occasions so far in 2026, United need to make that a more familiar habit, although doing so is easier said than done.
Improving the picture
Not only would a second consecutive win continue to improve the mood around Bramall Lane, but it could also see United climb into the play-off places for the first time this season. Following Tuesday night’s matches, United are currently 15th in the Championship table, just two points shy of the final play-off place, which is currently occupied by QPR, who host Derby County this evening.
The opportunity to have 15 points on the board after the first ten matches is not to be sniffed at, given the difficulties United experienced during the summer transfer window. For example, there is a scenario in which the Blades could end this evening just one point behind West Ham United, who are among the favourites for the title.
United did not occupy a play-off spot at any point last season, meaning that the opportunity to climb into the top eight after ten games this season would represent a significant improvement. A win this evening would also leave the Blades nine points better off than they were after ten games last term.
Pompey’s struggles
Portsmouth were heavily criticised by their supporters following their performance in Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to arch-rivals Southampton at St Mary’s. After falling behind to James Bree’s opener, Pompey’s hopes of getting back into the game were boosted shortly before half-time when Saints midfielder Cameron Bragg was sent off for a second bookable offence.
Despite playing with an extra man for the entirety of the second half, Pompey failed to impose themselves on their hosts and ultimately came away empty-handed. Although it was their first defeat in four matches, they head into tonight’s clash with the Blades having won just one of their last six games.
Furthermore, they have won just one of their first four home games this season, beating Cardiff City 2-0 last month, highlighting how they have struggled to make Fratton Park a fortress so far this campaign.
Despite both teams’ inconsistent starts to the season, however, they will head into tonight’s contest believing they can secure all three points.
Bamford’s hunger
After getting himself back among the goals on Saturday, Bamford will be eager to add to his tally against Pompey. The striker scored either side of half-time against Lincoln to help the Blades secure their biggest Championship win of 2026. He will therefore be hoping those goals mark the beginning of a good run of form in front of goal.
Bamford has scored five times in league and cup so far this season, cementing his place at the top of the Blades’ goalscoring chart. He has netted 18 goals in 39 appearances since joining the club almost a year ago.
The former Leeds United man, who scored his first goal for the Blades against Pompey, was praised by Wilder during Tuesday’s press conference, with the United boss revealing that the striker had responded to the challenge set for him during the international break.
Wilder said: “I demanded more over the international break that he needed to do more and he did. He’s an honest boy and he wants to do well.
“Sometimes the body language doesn't tell the story of the player, but I thought he was really good on Saturday.”
He will be hoping to get his name on the scoresheet in back-to-back Championship games for a second time this season.