Cooper remains the obvious choice between the posts and has started every league game so far. He was also rested for the League Cup win at Ewood Park two weeks ago, so there is no question of fatigue or rotation coming into the thinking here. He'll be looking to bounce back after conceding three against Norwich, although it could have been worse without some of his saves placeholder image
Cooper remains the obvious choice between the posts and has started every league game so far. He was also rested for the League Cup win at Ewood Park two weeks ago, so there is no question of fatigue or rotation coming into the thinking here. He'll be looking to bounce back after conceding three against Norwich, although it could have been worse without some of his saves | Sportimage

Sheffield United predicted XI v Blackburn Rovers as Chris Wilder ponders shape switch after injury update

Danny Hall
By Danny Hall

Sheffield United reporter

Published 7th Sep 2026, 18:06 BST

Chris Wilder has a few selection dilemmas to ponder as Sheffield United look to get back on the horse against Blackburn Rovers tomorrow night.

The Blades suffered their first defeat of the season against Norwich City on Saturday and now face another quick turnaround, with Wilder having to manage a stretched squad and work out the best way of getting his side back to winning ways.

A change of shape could be on the cards, with Wilder admitting on the eve of the trip to Ewood Park that all options are on the table. Tahith Chong, Ryan One and Femi Seriki remain out but Matt Doherty could return after illness.

Wilder has already admitted that sometimes “gut feeling” can play a part in his selection, with Tom Cannon's impressive showing in the League Cup win at Ewood Park two weeks ago potentially giving him something to think about.

So, with Blackburn next up, who should start for United? We have picked the XI we think Wilder could go with - do you think we’ve got it just about right or would you do anything differently?

Donovan has given Wilder plenty to think about after scoring the dramatic winner against Bolton Wanderers and showing again that he can provide a threat from wide areas. The Brentford loanee also scored in the League Cup win at Ewood Park two weeks ago, so he has already shown an ability to make an impact against Blackburn. Who would bet against him doing the same again?

9. Romelle Donovan

Donovan has given Wilder plenty to think about after scoring the dramatic winner against Bolton Wanderers and showing again that he can provide a threat from wide areas. The Brentford loanee also scored in the League Cup win at Ewood Park two weeks ago, so he has already shown an ability to make an impact against Blackburn. Who would bet against him doing the same again? | Sportimage

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Brereton Diaz is still waiting for his first Sheffield United goal since returning to the club, but Blackburn is an intriguing fixture for him given his history at Ewood Park. He scored 36 goals in 80 appearances during his previous spell with them, and his pace and ability to carry the ball could make him a particularly useful outlet if United look to attack on the counter. He plays on the left in my 4-3-3

10. Ben Brereton Diaz

Brereton Diaz is still waiting for his first Sheffield United goal since returning to the club, but Blackburn is an intriguing fixture for him given his history at Ewood Park. He scored 36 goals in 80 appearances during his previous spell with them, and his pace and ability to carry the ball could make him a particularly useful outlet if United look to attack on the counter. He plays on the left in my 4-3-3 | Simon Bellis / Sportimage

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Bamford looks difficult to leave out after scoring in each of United's last two league games. He found the net against both Bolton Wanderers and Norwich City and has either scored or assisted in his last three Championship appearances, giving him the strongest claim to lead the line again at Ewood Park. He naturally drops deep, which would put the impetus on Brereton Diaz and Donovan to drift inside in this shape

11. Patrick Bamford

Bamford looks difficult to leave out after scoring in each of United's last two league games. He found the net against both Bolton Wanderers and Norwich City and has either scored or assisted in his last three Championship appearances, giving him the strongest claim to lead the line again at Ewood Park. He naturally drops deep, which would put the impetus on Brereton Diaz and Donovan to drift inside in this shape | Sportimage

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