Sheffield United Striker Raring to Go Against Bristol City As He Discusses Changes Under New Boss | OneFootball

Sheffield United and Bristol City, who met in last season’s play-off semi-finals, lock horns at Bramall Lane in what promises to be a fascinating Championship opener.

A lot has changed since their encounters back in May. Despite guiding the Blades to a third-place finish and within touching distance of a Premier League return, Chris Wilder was sacked in the summer. His replacement, Ruben Selles, has wasted no time putting his stamp on the side. Over at Ashton Gate, Liam Manning’s move to Norwich City paved the way for Gerhard Struber to take charge of the Robins.

Pre-season has been encouraging for Sheffield United, with Selles implementing an energetic pressing style that has yielded plenty of goals and chances, particularly from mid-to-high turnovers. That intensity will be tested against a Bristol City side eager to shake off the memory of their play-off heartbreak, when they were swept aside 6-0 on aggregate by the Blades just a few months ago.

While United dominated City across those two matches, the first game of a new campaign can level the playing field. Neither Struber nor Selles will yet be settled on their strongest XI, and that element of early-season unpredictability applies not just to this clash but across the division.

Tyrese Campbell Ready For New Season And Explains Changes New Sheffield United Boss Has Made

YORK, ENGLAND – JULY 15: Ruben Selles, Manager of Sheffield United, looks on during the pre-season friendly match between York City and Sheffield United at LNER Community Stadium on July 15, 2025 in York, England. (Photo by Tony King/Getty Images)

Sheffield United forward Tyrese Campbell, who netted 11 goals in all competitions last term and was one of the most clinical finishers in the Championship, is relishing life under Selles, the 25-year-old spoke to SUTV.

“It has been an interesting off-season and pre-season for me because I’ve never been used to being involved in play-offs and playing on for an extra three to four weeks, and then having a month off,” Campbell said. “I’ve enjoyed it, pre-season has been good, new manager, new style of play and it is nice now to get down to business and start playing in the league again. We’re all excited.”

Campbell explained that while Selles’ system hasn’t demanded wholesale changes, the fine details have been key. “It’s just key details in terms of my starting positions and where I am expected to be when we have the ball in different parts of the pitch and pressing as well. Apart from that, it’s mainly the same; there’s a lot of good players here and it’s more about trying to get our best players on the ball.”

The striker was also full of praise for his new boss: “He’s a really honest coach, a good guy to speak to on a level and he’s honest. He’s told me what he expects from me and, as a player, I don’t think you can ask much more from a manager.”

With both sides still finding their rhythm under new leadership, Saturday’s clash could be a closer affair than their last couple of meetings.