Why late Oxford United postponement could be a double-edged sword for Sheffield United’s second-half season hopes
Why late Oxford United postponement could be a double-edged sword for Sheffield United’s second-half season hopes
Depending on your point of view, pint half empty or half full, the decision to postpone Sheffield United’s home clash with Oxford United this afternoon could be a blessing or a curse. Assuming, of course, you didn’t have an arduous journey to get to Bramall Lane which, ultimately, was all in vain.
But in the context of United’s season, it will be fascinating to see how it plays out or, ultimately, if it has any effect whatsoever. On one hand, the postponement - which came two hours before kick-off after frozen areas of the pitch were identified as a safety concern by the referee - gives United something of a breather after a heavy period of festive fixtures.
By the time they next kick a ball in Championship action, though, they will have had more than a fortnight without a league game, with the potential for some key men to be rested for next weekend’s FA Cup tie at home to Mansfield Town.
Why late Oxford United postponement could be a double-edged sword for Sheffield United’s second-half season hopes
At a time when United are still nursing a few injuries and are getting a couple more up to speed, that break could be invaluable. When the two sides do eventually meet at Bramall Lane, the Blades could be boosted by the likes of Sydie Peck and Tom Davies returning, and Oliver Arblaster being closer to top gear.
Plotting rescheduled games into an already congested Championship schedule will be a headache, with potential dates including a midweek at the end of this month or in early February, with both side’s fixture lists easing off as we enter March.
The abolition of FA Cup replays could make things a little easier and free up a couple of midweek slots and by the time his side eventually take on the U’s, he will hope to have bolstered his squad further in the January transfer window.
But losing the game so close to its start will also be a source of frustration in the United dressing room, especially after a quick period of preperation after their New Year’s Day battering of Leicester City.
United would have faced Oxford looking for their third successive victory as they look to continue their recent momentum and climb up the Championship table, with some of that impetus at risk of being lost by the time they face Charlton Athletic on January 17.
The U’s, conversely, could also be stronger by the time they take on United, having travelled to South Yorkshire this week on the back of five defeats in their last seven games.
They could also have a new manager by that point, with former Blades defender Craig Short placed in temporary charge after Gary Rowett was sacked just before Christmas. Short’s return to the Lane was denied by this morning’s 11th-hour call, and only time will tell what impact it has on United’s season.