Middlesbrough vs Sheffield United – Preview | OneFootball

Early Saturday afternoon sees high-flying Middlesbrough host bottom of the league Sheffield United, with the Blades attempting to get a point on the table at the fourth time of asking.

Boro have a perfect record thus far and are only behind Stoke City on goal difference. However, Rob Edwards’ side could look quite different in the midfield area after outstanding attacking midfielder Finn Azaz completed his permanent move to Southampton this week. Plus, there is uncertainty surrounding Hayden Hackney’s future with the 23-year-old reportedly being monitored by both Everton and West Ham United.

The Blades have lost all three of their league games this season, and quite frankly, they haven’t put in a single good performance – including their defeat in the EFL Cup to Birmingham City.

Transfer Business

If there was one issue with Michael Carrick’s Boro it was consistency, especially defensively. Last season, the Teessiders kept 13 clean sheets, which is an average return for a mid-table Championship outfit. But, with the attacking qualities they’ve had over the last few years they have been eyeing a play-off spot at the very least. Yet they only achieved a place in the top six once.

Under Edwards though, it is a system that’s much more structured defensively. And signing a commanding box-defender like Alfie Jones from Hull City has certainly helped improve this. In three starts, Jones has already helped Boro keep two clean sheets.

The other standout signing that Boro have made is versatile winger Sontje Hansen. The 23-year-old was a player I hoped United would sign due to his high potential and low transfer fee. He has the ability to change a game in a flash because of his injection of pace and fancy footwork. So far, Hansen has only made a couple of substitute appearances in the league, but I expect him to become a key player for Edwards once he fully settles in and reaches peak fitness.

Team News

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 23: Ruben Selles, Manager of Sheffield United, looks on during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United and Millwall at Bramall Lane on August 23, 2025 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Ed Sykes/Getty Images)

With Azaz joining fellow Championship side Southampton, Boro could start the aforementioned Hansen in his place just behind the striker. Meanwhile, Edwards could be close to welcoming Alex Bangura, Darragh Lenihan and goalkeeper Seny Dieng back to the matchday squad in the coming weeks.

For Sheffield United, they could have a number of new players to choose from after announcing two signings this week in the form of standout Championship defender Japhet Tanganga and vastly experienced striker Danny Ings. Plus, versatile left-sided defender Nils Zatterstrom could also be in line for a place in Ruben Selles’ matchday squad.

Oliver Arblaster, Tom Davies and Jamie Shackleton remain sidelined.

Middlesbrough’s Impact Player For This Game

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – JULY 26: Rob Edwards, Manager of Middlesbrough acknowledges the fans after the pre-season friendly match between Rangers and Middlesbrough at Ibrox Stadium on July 26, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Steve Welsh/Getty Images)

One of the most frustrating attackers in the Championship is Morgan Whittaker. On his day, he can be difficult to stop. But, he often blows hot and cold. He has this incredible ability to pull the trigger earlier than most, which often catches goalkeepers off guard as they aren’t properly set for the shot.

Despite having some real quality in his left foot at this level, he isn’t really the type of attacking midfielder or winger to create plenty of chances for teammates against a set back line. But, he is certainly more dangerous when he can explode into space, and he can do that down the right wing on Saturday.

Whittaker has already matched last season’s assist tally of two. If Boro can hit the Blades in transition when Harrison Burrows is caught up the pitch, the former Lazio-linked man can cause real problems for United.

With Selles now having much better defenders to choose from, I believe the Blades will line up like: Ben Godfrey (right-back), Japhet Tanganga (right centre-back), Tyler Bindon (left centre-back), Burrows (left-back).

If that is the case, Whittaker may also find joy if he can catch Bindon out of position and stepping up into the right half-space. From there, Whittaker can drop a shoulder and beat him for pace, or he can use his skill and vision to feed a ball into that gap for the likes of Tommy Conway, who almost always looks to get in behind the defensive line and unleash a shot at goal.

Sheffield United’s Impact Player For This Game

Middlesbrough have played two men behind the striker so far this season, and despite Azaz’s departure, I still think they’ll continue with that attacking set-up due to the flexibility it gives them both in and out of possession.

With this in mind, Djibril Soumare should be in line to start at the weekend as he is the only natural defensive midfielder at the club. In his limited minutes for the Blades, he’s actually looked impressive in his role. He’s shown good recovery pace to get back goalside of attackers and time a last ditch tackle to protect the defence, similar to what Vinicius Souza did last season.

But where I think he can exceed Souza is in the passing department. I’ve already seen a few instances of him taking the ball under pressure, manoeuvring away from the press and then finding a pass out to either flank or a more advanced midfielder, thus allowing the Blades to play through the thirds quickly and accurately.

United will most likely be relying on his defensive instincts on Saturday, though he cannot be left alone to try and both screen the defence as well as cutting the passing lanes. If he is left alone in this role, he could be left exposed.

My Prediction

Middlesbrough’s nine points have come from 4.94 expected points, an overperformance of more than four points. This is due to their extremely clinical start to the campaign, as well as their excellent defensive structure.

By contrast, Sheffield United sit on zero points from 4.33 expected points, the Blades have a poor conversion rate in front of goal and have been equally as poor at the other end.

Judging by the numbers, perhaps this matchup is actually closer to being an even game as opposed to what the league table suggests. Given United’s potential new look defence, and Boro seeing their biggest source of goal contributions from last season depart, I believe this will be a tough game to call.

I’m going for a score draw in this one with Sheffield United finally getting some points on the board.

Stats taken from Opta.