Tomorrow evening, several players will have the chance to impress manager Paul Heckingbottom as Sheffield United host Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup. This fixture also allows the Blades boss to give valuable playing time to some of his players.
The first three Premier League matches have revealed that certain players lack match fitness, and the newcomers who joined late are expected to make an appearance. Given the upcoming important home game against Everton, Heckingbottom’s selection might be influenced by keeping an eye on that fixture.
Here are some players that the Blades can expect to see tomorrow night:
Adam Davies
Davies will likely get his chance between the sticks against Lincoln City which will give Wes Foderingham a mental rest, having been massively overworked so far this season.
Femi Seriki
The youngster has been left out of the development squad for today’s game against Swansea City, and after impressing in pre-season, he will have another chance to show what he’s capable of at senior level.
Jayden Bogle
Tomorrow night could be a case of giving Bogle 45 minutes and then giving the other half to Seriki. Bogle played the final 20 minutes against Manchester City, and Heckingbottom will be desperate to get him up to speed; he is a great option off the bench, as we saw on Sunday.
Auston Trusty
The American is yet to kick a ball for the Blades but he should be handed his first start against Lincoln City. He may take the place of John Egan.
Miguel Freckleton
A defender with excellent athleticism and was played in the middle of a back three at times in pre-season, but his best position in my opinion is left centre-back where he can drift forward and show his technical quality.
Chris Basham
He is the obvious pick to play right centre-back.
Jili Buyabu
The promising left-wingback has also been left out of today’s development squad, and considering Sheffield United’s injury issues in that position, he will likely get a large chunk of minutes in the Carabao Cup.
Tom Davies
He was left out of the side against Manchester City due to lack of fitness, but tomorrow night is a chance to get some much-needed minutes under his belt.
Ismaila Coulibaly
The Malian international has featured a couple of times for Sheffield United’s development team and he has looked impressive on his return from a knee injury. Davies and Coulibaly could be in the starting midfield.
Anis Slimane
Slimane featured off the bench against Crystal Palace. Since then, he has been struggling with his hamstring, although it is not a major issue.
Andre Brooks
Brooks caught the eye in pre-season games, and many are tipping the youngster to have a big future. He will certainly have a part to play tomorrow evening as he has been left out of the development game this afternoon.
Louie Marsh
Marsh has been in scintillating form for the u23’s so far scoring two hattricks across the first couple of games of the season. He is another promising player that has been left of the development squad.
Oli McBurnie & Cameron Archer
McBurnie made a great sub appearance against Manchester City, and very nearly got himself an assist in the dying moments.
Archer is up to speed, but Heckingbottom could see this as an opportunity to learn about his new forward. And it would give him a chance to teach him about United’s system ahead of the significant game on Saturday.
It may be slightly risky, but the pair could be given the final 25 minutes just to get them used to each other’s playing style. Though, minutes to get McBurnie up to speed are probably more important.
