As Sheffield United gear up for the Championship play-offs, fans are already speculating over who they’d prefer to face in the semi-finals.
With several contenders still jostling for position, here is how the race for the final play-off places looks:
- 5th Bristol City – 67pts – (+4 GD)
- 6th Coventry City – 66pts – (+4 GD)
- 7th Millwall – 66pts – (0 GD)
- 8th Blackburn Rovers – 65pts – (+5 GD)
- 9th Middlesbrough – 64pts – (+10 GD)
The Blades will of course play the team which finishes 6th over two legs, and that team could be just about anybody considering how bunched up the table is before the final day of the season kicks off.
There is the possibility that Sheffield United could face Blackburn Rovers three times in a row; the two meet on the final day of the season at Bramall Lane. The visitors will be throwing caution to the wind on Saturday lunchtime to get three points, though a point could be enough to secure a play-off spot if results elsewhere go their way.
Analysing Each Potential Play-off Semi-Final Opponent For Sheffield United
From a tactical viewpoint, each of the possible opponents offer a unique challenge.
Bristol City are one of the most well-coached and well-rounded teams in the league. Liam Manning has got them playing controlled football, but they are also not afraid to mix it up and knock it into channels. For what it’s worth, outside of Leeds United and Burnley, I personally believe the Robins have been the best side the Blades have faced over two games.
Coventry City looked unstoppable before heading to Bramall Lane back in March, boasting an incredible ten wins in 12 under Frank Lampard. Since falling to a 3-1 defeat to Sheffield United, they have picked up two wins and one draw in their last six fixtures. The Sky Blues possess arguably the quickest squad in the race for the play-offs, and if they can somehow stagger over the line, teams will be fearful of them in transition.
Millwall and Blackburn Rovers are both known for their physicality and high-intensity style of play. But, Blackburn edge it in terms of who has the more technical players at the top of the pitch, with players like Todd Cantwell in particular.
Middlesbrough, under Michael Carrick, have a more expansive approach and are arguably the most technically gifted out of the teams above, despite being outsiders at this stage. Boro have one of the best midfield combinations in the Championship, and Finn Azaz, who has the second-most goals and assists numbers with 23 (three behind Leeds United’s Joel Piroe) epitomises Boro’s playing style.
My Verdict
Coventry City are one of the most out of form teams in this group, and part of that poor form is down to their ever-growing injury list.
Considering how well United did against Lampard’s Sky Blues at Bramall Lane, winning 3-1 – conceding a garbage time tap-in after a rare error by goalkeeper Michael Cooper, I would be confident against Coventry over two legs. Plus, their fast-paced style of play fits United’s own attacking style if they can force turnovers.
Secure Your Tickets For the Play-offs
Supporters are already making plans for the first and second legs of the semi-finals, as well as the potential trip to Wembley should Sheffield United make it past the first stage. For those looking ahead, a guide on how to buy your tickets to the Play Off Finals can be found on here.
