Football League World
·29 November 2024
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·29 November 2024
The Blades welcome the Black Cats to Bramall Lane in a huge clash at the top of the Championship on Friday.
This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...
Sheffield United welcome Sunderland to Bramall Lane on Friday evening in a huge clash at the top of the Championship table.
Victory for either side in S2 will see them go back to the summit of the EFL ahead of the rest of the weekend's clashes, and Chris Wilder will be hoping that his team can add to their five wins in six matches, and re-overtake Leeds United, who are currently setting the pace.
The Black Cats, on the other hand, will be looking to stop a run of draws that has plagued their November. Regis Le Bris' side has been held in all of their last five games, last tasting victory against Oxford United on 26 October in a 2-0 win.
It is likely to be a very tense affair, and one that Sheffield United may go into as slight favourites considering Sunderland's current form, with the Blades knowing that a win would see them go five points clear of their opponents.
Both teams are filled with talent, and although Le Bris has brought his together using mostly younger stars with bright futures, he has been able to get them playing excellent attacking football that has put them into contention for a return to the Premier League for the first time since 2017.
While his signings in the summer have fit in extremely well, it is a player that was already starting to establish himself as one of the key stars before his arrival that Football League World's Sheffield United Fan Pundit, Jimmy from Blades Ramble, has warned his side to be wary of.
When asked by FLW which Sunderland player he fears the most, Jimmy said: "There are a couple of dangerous players in this Sunderland side. I'm pleased Dennis Cirkin is out. I think he's a fantastic left-back.
"Apparently, he's got a broken wrist, so I'm happy he's not going to be playing. I think that's caused a little bit of disruption along their backline, which we will hopefully take advantage of."
He continued: "I like Patrick Roberts, I think he can be inconsistent, but he's a persistent, inconsistent threat down the right-hand side, cutting it off the right onto his left. I think he's a tricky player.
"But the one to watch for me is Jobe Bellingham. I think he may well have a famous brother, but he is certainly the player that's in form currently. I know he's just coming back from a suspension, but he started the season on fire, and he's certainly the man that, hopefully, Vini Souza will be able to deal with."
Bellingham returned from his three-match ban following a red card against QPR on Tuesday, as Sunderland drew 0-0 with West Bromwich Albion.
Although the Black Cats could not find a way through the resolute Baggies defence, the 19-year-old was excellent, and was a threat throughout the game. He created three chances, was constantly involved in play and was one of the bright sparks in the attack for his team.
It will be a difficult task for Souza on Friday when Bellingham and his teammates visit Bramall Lane, and the Brazilian will have to be at his very best to stop the starlet from controlling the match as he has done often in the past.
Without Anel Ahmedhodzic in defence, Sheffield United will be more vulnerable on the back foot, and Souza will have to be extremely disciplined to ensure that Sunderland's talented teenager does not drift through the lines and get a clean run at the Blades' back four.
Langsung