The new selection dilemma facing Sheffield United ahead of this weekend's trip to Chelsea

After emphasising the importance of mobility at Premier League level and underlining how Ethan Ampadu brings plenty to Sheffield United’s midfield, Chris Wilder will not relish the prospect of being forced to leave the youngster out of the squad which faces Chelsea on Saturday evening.
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Signed on loan from Stamford Bridge, competition rules prohibit Ampadu from facing his parent club either in west London this weekend or in February next year, when Frank Lampard’s side are scheduled to make the return journey to South Yorkshire.

Although the Wales international was not at his best against Manchester City four days ago, struggling to disrupt the fluency of the best passing team in the competition, the impact he can have on United’s performances became evident at Liverpool towards the end of last month, when Wilder’s men produced their finest display of the campaign so far at the home of the reigning champions.

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Ampadu’s ability to provide both defensive cover and also thrust for counter-attacks helped Wilder’s men discourage Jurgen Klopp’s men from committing large numbers of men forward. His absence leaves United’s staff with a huge decision to make as they prepare to face opponents who could have the likes of Timo Werner, Kai Havertz and Hakim Ziyech at their disposal following tonight’s Champions League tie against Rennes.

Sander Berge, Ampadu’s team mate at Bramall Lane, explained why his colleague is likely to emerge as a pivotal figure in United’s plans over the coming months as they attempt to preserve their top-flight status for another season.

“Ethan is a very good player, and wherever you put him on the pitch you know you are going to get a performance out of him.” Berge said. “That’s because he has the movement and is very strong technically, so he doesn’t mind receiving the ball in tight situations or when he is under pressure, and can release it also. He’s very, very strong in that regard, and in terms of his positioning too.”

With Wilder expressing his frustration at John Lundstram’s refusal to agree a new contract, Oliver Norwood, until the end of last term one of the first names on United’s team sheet, will be hoping for a recall to the starting eleven in Ampadu’s absence. However, despite expressing his disappointment with Lundstram ahead of the meeting with City and subsequently leaving him on the bench, it was telling that Wilder still turned to the Liverpudlian when he made a series of personnel changes during the second-half. Although Norwood was also introduced, replacing Ampadu 10 minutes after Lundstram entered the fray at Ben Osborn’s expense, Wilder still clearly trusts the former Oxford captain’s professionalism - even if he is saddened by his decision to reject United’s latest pay offer and is determined to send a message that anyone who wants to leave must accept their stance will influence selection policy.

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“We select the line-up we believe is best suited to a particular game,” Wilder said, clearly reluctant to provide Chelsea with any clues about how he plans to cover Ampadu’s absence. “One which enables us to play to our strengths against certain opposition.”

Manchester City's Ferran Torres (second left) goes down as Sheffield United's Ethan Ampadu comes away with the ball during the Premier League match at Bramall Lane: Tim Keeton/PA Wire.Manchester City's Ferran Torres (second left) goes down as Sheffield United's Ethan Ampadu comes away with the ball during the Premier League match at Bramall Lane: Tim Keeton/PA Wire.
Manchester City's Ferran Torres (second left) goes down as Sheffield United's Ethan Ampadu comes away with the ball during the Premier League match at Bramall Lane: Tim Keeton/PA Wire.

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