The Blades welcome Manchester United to Bramall Lane on the return to Premier League action following the international break and it represents a great opportunity for Sheffield United to pull off a surprise and get their first win on the board, with a partisan atmosphere expected under the lights at S2.
However, Paul Heckingbottom has had a lot of thinking to do to get around the issues that have dogged his campaign, namely the loss of key players through injury. Chris Basham became the latest to be ruled out long term after his horror injury at Fulham, coming just a week after John Egan was added to the list.
With that in mind, there is a possibility that the three-at-the-back formation which has been pivotal to United’s success in recent years could be banished, purely because of the lack of numbers.
Here, we’ve taken a punt on that happening and picked our Blades team to face Erik ten Hag’s men on Saturday night.
5. Luke Thomas
Been a little bit iffy so far since joining United on loan from Leicester and I was tempted to put Jack Robinson in at left back for the no-nonsense strangth if nothing else, and he didn't deserve to be dropped from the tea in the first place. However, I wondered if having fewer responsibilities going forward as a full-back rather than a wing back, might help Thomas show his worth Photo: Paul Terry
6. Vinicius Souza
I haven't been completely sold on Vinicius Souza like some others have but there's no doubting his ability to break up the play. I would have him sitting deep, in front of and to protect the back four Photo: Michael Regan
7. Oliver Norwood
I'd have him in every starting XI anyway but he's certainly a must for this one. Play him just beside Souza to pick up the pieces and get United moving with that incredible range of passing through to the attackers Photo: Michael Regan
8. James McAtee
Hasn't quite found the form of last season just yet in making the step up to the top flight but we all know what he's capable of. Play him on the right of an attacking midfield three and maybe playing against Man Utd will provide that extra spark in him Photo: Harriet Lander