Sheffield United can put the nail in Sheffield Wednesday's coffin by doing something they've not done since 1953
Sheffield United will be hoping to create another set of derby day memories for their supporters against Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday lunchtime.
Sheffield United will be hoping to clinch another Steel City derby double when they welcome rivals Sheffield Wednesday to Bramall Lane on Sunday lunchtime.
The Blades, who secured a late victory over Portsmouth last time out, winning 1-0 at Fratton Park, cruised their way past the rock-bottom Owls at Hillsborough back in November, winning 3-0.
That secured a third successive victory over Wednesday for Chris Wilder’s side, extending their unbeaten run in Steel City derbies to seven matches. They were last beaten on derby day back in February 2012.
With United heading into the latest chapter of this historic rivalry as overwhelming favourites to come out and top and secure another three points, here are five pre-match talking points:
Another double?
With Wednesday needing a victory to stave off the threat of their inevitable relegation, United might never get a better opportunity to enjoy another derby day triumph and rub salt into the Owls’ wounds. The Blades have dominated this fixture in the last few years, winning four and drawing three of the last seven meetings, with Wednesday winning just one of the last 11 all-Sheffield tussles.
After beating them 1-0 home and away last season, United took advantage of Wednesday’s troubles back in November, winning 3-0, to record the biggest ever away win in Steel City derby history. The Owls’ woes have worsened since then, losing captain Barry Bannan to Millwall, Yan Valery to BSC Young Boys, Harry Amass back to Manchester United and a whole host of first-team regulars to injury.
Nothing can be dismissed on derby day, and you can guarantee some United supporters will wake up on Sunday morning with butterflies in their stomach, but the Blades are expected to win this one without too much difficulty.
The prospect of securing a fourth successive league win over Wednesday would mark the first time that has happened since 1953. That run consisted of three wins at Bramall Lane and one at Hillsborough.
This time around, it would be achieved via an equal split. A league double two seasons in a row, regardless of the situation Wednesday find themselves in, will mean everything to every Blade.
Campbell or Bamford?
With three goals in his last three appearances against Wednesday, Tyrese Campbell has developed a reputation for becoming the Owls’ nemesis on derby day. He scored the winner at Bramall Lane last season, sealing a 1-0 win, and scored twice at Hillsborough earlier this term, helping United run out 3-0 winners.
However, he has not scored since that triumph in S6 three months ago, meaning, based on his current form, he would not be worthy of a start. Patrick Bamford has established himself as United’s chief striker since arriving in November and has scored seven Championship goals in 15 matches.
As tempting as it might be for Wilder to choose Campbell to lead the line amid his record against Wednesday, Bamford could be a more logical choice amid the expectation the Owls will approach the contest with a low block and sit deep.
Bamford’s profile means he can link play better than Campbell, who prefers to find space in behind and use his pace to get beyond the defence. Bamford made his United debut against Wednesday, appearing as a late substitute, and he has two goals in nine career appearances against them.
Set-piece threat
When it comes to the art of scoring goals via set-pieces, United have mastered it pretty well this season. According to data specialists Opta, the Blades have scored 15 goals via dead ball situations in the Championship this term - a record that can only be bettered by Coventry City (21).
On the flip side of that, Wednesday have the worst defensive record when it comes to dealing with set-pieces this season, conceding 17 goals via such situations in the Championship alone, as per Opta.
MORE: 'Proper Sheffield United player' - Chesterfield coach lauds Blades' academy amid Sam Curtis impact
Set-pieces have come back into fashion and United have taken advantage of them well this season, meaning they could have a decisive say in settling Sunday’s derby. Wednesday’s Achilles heel is dealing with them, meaning the Blades ought to use them to their advantage.
With towering defenders, such as Japhet Tanganga, Mark McGuiness and Tyler Bindon, capable of making their mark at corners, for example, those particular scenarios could have a decisive say.
Impressive home form
Their recent 2-1 defeat to Middlesbrough aside, United’s home form has been strong in the last few months. Since the November international break - a period just before the Blades won 3-0 at Hillsborough - United have won 19 points from a possible 24 at Bramall Lane.
Recording six wins in their last eight S2 outings has played a key role in United dragging themselves into play-off contention. The likes of Stoke City (4-0), Birmingham City (3-0) and Ipswich Town (3-1) have all been on the wrong ends of statement scorelines.
Whereas United often won games by the odd goal last term, showing a dogged and determined side to their game, they have been a lot more vibrant of late, showing a desire to take teams to the cleaners at Bramall Lane, highlighted by their tally of 21 goals in their last eight Championship matches at home.
With Wednesday having conceded more goals than anyone else this term (64), United will fancy their chances of putting on another impressive display on home soil. They last scored three against their arch rivals on home soil back in 2009, winning an entertaining Friday night encounter 3-2.
Wilder’s derby day record
Wilder’s record as United manager in the Steel City derby needs no further introduction. Taking charge of the Blades in seven of them thus far, he is yet to experience a defeat, winning four and drawing three.
After overseeing a famous 4-2 victory in his first as Blades boss at Hillsborough back in September 2017, he has not even seen his side concede in a Steel City derby since. United have kept six clean sheets on the spin against the Owls, recording two 1-0 wins, a 3-0 triumph and being involved in three 0-0 draws.
Facing the Owls on seven occasions without defeat during his managerial career, Wilder has only faced AFC Wimbeldon (14) and Stoke City (10) on more occasions than Wednesday without losing.