3-4-1-2, Stevens in: The predicted Sheffield United XI to face Coventry on Boxing Day | OneFootball

Sheffield United will be hoping to secure another win on Boxing Day as they come up against fellow promotion rivals Coventry City, with three points for either side potentially crucial in their quest for Premier League football.

Securing six points from six since the end of the World Cup break, Paul Heckingbottom’s side will be pleased with their work, even if these victories came against struggling sides Huddersfield Town and Wigan Athletic.

Goals from Billy Sharp and John Egan secured a 2-1 win against the latter – but despite their success at the DW Stadium – they will surely be grateful to return to Bramall Lane with the home supporters behind them.

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The visitors haven’t enjoyed the most successful time since the long break, losing against Reading and drawing against Swansea City despite being 3-0 up against Russell Martin’s men at one point.

However, they will have been boosted by their 1-0 victory against West Bromwich Albion in midweek and will be hoping to take a point or three from this game too, though it won’t be an easy task.

Focusing on the hosts though, we take a look at the starting lineup the Blades could go with as they look to record their fourth consecutive league victory, with a win in this game boosting their automatic promotion chances.

Although he didn’t have his best performance against the Latics, Wes Foderingham starts in goal again having been a reasonably reliable figure since taking the number one jersey.

Enda Stevens was another player that didn’t shine against Kolo Toure’s men – but with Max Lowe being an unused substitute at the DW Stadium – Heckingbottom may not want to throw the latter in from the start yet. He may also be wary about chucking Jayden Bogle in at the deep end, so George Baldock starts on the right again.

The back three also retain their places, though they will all need to remain on top form considering Chris Basham is an option at Heckingbottom’s disposal if required.

In the middle of the park, Sander Berge starts again and you would certainly back the Norway international to be an asset in the final third despite the fact he’s likely to be operating behind James McAtee.

Tommy Doyle is one player that could come in alongside the 24-year-old – but Oliver Norwood has been a reliable figure for a considerable amount of time now and could be deadly from set-piece situations.

This could end up being the difference between one point and three against the Sky Blues who won’t be an easy side to face.

The Blades could go with James McAtee or Reda Khadra in an advanced midfield role – but with the South Yorkshire outfit having a decent amount of time between the Wigan game and this one – the former could potentially start once more.

Oli McBurnie may count himself unlucky not to be in this starting lineup considering his form before the international break – but Iliman Ndiaye shone last time out and Sharp managed to get himself on the scoresheet in Greater Manchester – so both get another chance to impress on Monday.