Sheffield United’s availability crisis may have eased a little from its peak in midweek, but Chris Wilder is still facing some tough decisions ahead of Friday night’s trip to West Bromwich Albion. The Blades chief had to make eight changes for Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Norwich City.
A combination of illness and injury decimated the options at his disposal but things have eased a little on both fronts, with Mark McGuinness, Sam McCallum and Jairo Riedewald expected to return to the squad at the Hawthorns.
Sydie Peck remains unavailable, Wilder said, while there are other dilemmas in defence, midfield and attack as the Blades look to continue their recent momentum against the struggling Baggies.
We tasked our man once again to select the side he thinks Wilder may send out against Ryan Mason’s side - has he got it just about right or would you do anything differently?
5. Sam McCallum
Much will depend on how much he's been able to train etc in the build-up to this game and whether he can deliver his usual energetic performance after being out ill but if he's okay, I wonder if he'll come in to keep Burrows on his toes | Harriet Massey/Getty Images
6. Djibril Soumare
He had a real tough time of it in midweek but unless Peck makes a miraculous recovery, Arblaster is thrown in again ahead of time or someone like Hamer is shifted into a central position, then Wilder doesn't have too many other options than to go with Soumare again Photo: Simon Bellis
7. Jairo Riedewald
The return of Riedewald may help him a little, though, with the Dutchman expected to retake his place after missing out in midweek through illness Photo: Andrew Yates
8. Andre Brooks
One of the big dilemmas now is in the wide areas. Chong was excellent on his full debut on Tuesday but also limped off and United are likely to be careful with his minutes over the busy schedule. It also did Brooks no harm that he was bright and bubbly off the bench Photo: Simon Bellis