Ruben Selles is not expected to deviate too much from his principles so far as Sheffield United travel to Middlesbrough tomorrow still looking for the first win of his Bramall Lane era. The pressure is mounting on the Spaniard after four defeats in his first four games.
But a much-needed injection of strength via the transfer market has revitalised the options at his disposal, with a number of potential debutants at the Riverside against one of the early pace-setters.
With that in mind, we tasked our man to select the side he thinks Selles will send out to face Boro - and he thinks it could be very telling in terms of a couple of players’ futures beyond Monday’s transfer deadline...
5. Harrison Burrows
Sam McCallum is another who could attract attention ahead of the window slamming shut on Monday evening while Burrows has been the subject of reported interest from West Ham this week. But while he’s here, he’s United’s first-choice – even if he has not yet hit the heights of last term | Ed Sykes/Getty Images Photo: Ed Sykes/Getty Images
6. Djibril Soumare
The Senegalese midfielder impressed Unitedites in the Carabao Cup at Birmingham and then kept his place at Swansea City, offering more defensive protection to the Blades’ back four. His inclusion here also frees Peck up to roam a little more | Sportimage
7. Sydie Peck
The England youth international has been incredibly exposed so far this season by Selles’ shape and team selection but Soumare’s inclusion takes a bit of pressure off in that respect, allowing him a bit of freedom to get forward and try and create | Sportimage
8. Gus Hamer
Whether it’s in a deeper role, in the No.10 or on the wing, the only certainty with Hamer, assuming he’s still at Bramall Lane, is that he will play. There’ll be speculation about him leaving right until the last minute but whilst he is at United, he will give his all | Ed Sykes/Getty Images Photo: Ed Sykes/Getty Images