Sheffield United v Barnsley: Manager reaction as Blades go back into play-offs with derby-day win

at a beautifully-sunny Bramall Lane, spring appears to have sprung at last in this corner of South Yorkshire and Billy Sharp leads the Blades out once again in their red and white home kit, Barnsley in their away colours of course

Sheffield United have made one change to their side for this afternoon’s South Yorkshire derby against Barnsley at Bramall Lane.

From the goalless draw at Blackpool in midweek, which saw United have two goals disallowed, former Barnsley player and boss Paul Heckingbottom has recalled Conor Hourihane to midfield in place of Iliman Ndiaye.

International trio Oli McBurnie, John Fleck and Enda Stevens return to the bench after their spells out of the side with injury.

Blades: Foderingham, Osborn, Gordon, Egan, Robinson, Norrington-Davies, Norwood, Hourihane, Berge, Gibbs-White, Sharp.

Subs: A. Davies, Stevens, Fleck, McBurnie, Ndiaye, Lopata, Jebbison.

Barnsley: Collins, Brittain, Andersen, Helik, Veta, Styles, Wolfe, Gomes, Quina, Bassi, Morris.

Subs: Walton, Kitching, Halme, Palmer, Odour, Cole, Iseka.

and it’s derby day at Bramall Lane as the Blades take on Barnsley in a big game for both sides - they both have their own objectives which would be boosted hugely by three points and it promises to be an engaging derby in front of what will surely be a big house at BDTBL