Sheffield United are looking for a quick reaction to Monday night's hammering at home to Arsenal when they travel to AFC Bournemouth tomorrow. The Blades will kick off 11 points adrift of safety and with their Premier League survival hopes looking bleaker by the week.
But there are some green shoots of optimism amongst the gloom in the shape of their younger players, with the likes of Will Osula and Ollie Arblaster showing some genuine promise for the future. Their impression off the bench - plus Andre Brooks' introduction - earned praise from boss Chris Wilder afterwards, with the United chief admitting he may go down a road of youth for the rest of the season.
But there is also a place for an experienced head or two amongst them as United navigate their final 11 matches of a wretched season so far, with Bournemouth next up. So what side will Wilder go with? We tasked our man to come up with his predicted XI - has he got it just about right, or what would you do differently?
But there is also a place for an experienced head or two amongst them as United navigate their final 11 matches of a wretched season so far, with Bournemouth next up. So what side will Wilder go with? We tasked our man to come up with his predicted XI - has he got it just about right, or what would you do differently?
![It seems like United are still trying to figure out how to get the best out of Gus Hamer who has struggled to replicate his Coventry form on a regular basis in the Premier League, and I wouldn't be surprised if he dropped out at Bournemouth](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2023/12/29/10/53/GettyImages-1699170268.jpg.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
9. Tom Davies
It seems like United are still trying to figure out how to get the best out of Gus Hamer who has struggled to replicate his Coventry form on a regular basis in the Premier League, and I wouldn't be surprised if he dropped out at Bournemouth | Getty Images
![Another player who has struggled to consistently replicate his Championship form in the top tier but capable on his day of a moment of magic to settle a tight game](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2024/03/04/21/35/GettyImages-1976100832.jpg.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
10. James McAtee
Another player who has struggled to consistently replicate his Championship form in the top tier but capable on his day of a moment of magic to settle a tight game | AFP via Getty Images
![Would play as a No.9 rather than a wide forward in this shape but he’s more than capable, with Oli McBurnie still not fully fit and Rhian Brewster and Cameron Archer also out injured. Will Osula is another option but I like his pace and power as a late sub option against a (hopefully) tiring defence](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2024/03/01/20/11/GettyImages-1983673883.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
11. Ben Brereton Diaz
Would play as a No.9 rather than a wide forward in this shape but he’s more than capable, with Oli McBurnie still not fully fit and Rhian Brewster and Cameron Archer also out injured. Will Osula is another option but I like his pace and power as a late sub option against a (hopefully) tiring defence | Getty Images