Wilder Expects “cagey” And “tight” Affair Against Derby As Familiar Faces Return to Sheffield United

Sheffield United welcome John Eustace’s in-form Derby County to Bramall Lane on Saturday afternoon, with several familiar faces set to make their return to S2.

The Blades will be looking to bounce back from a deeply frustrating defeat at Deepdale last weekend. Despite storming into a 2-0 lead against Preston North End, Chris Wilder’s side fell apart either side of half-time as the hosts clawed back level before former Blade Daniel Jebbison headed in the third to complete the turnaround.

Derby arrive in South Yorkshire on the back of successive 1-0 home victories over Norwich City and Queens Park Rangers, results that have lifted Eustace’s men up the table and restored confidence after a tricky few weeks. However, their away form remains a concern. The Rams have won just once on the road this season, that coming in a narrow 1-0 success against West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns.

Sheffield United remain without Gustavo Hamer, Oliver Arblaster, and Tahith Chong through injury. However, there is some positive news, as Tom Davies could make his return to the squad after a spell on the sidelines. Manager Chris Wilder confirmed that Arblaster has returned to training.

For Derby, full-back Max Johnston has joined Owen Beck, Curtis Nelson, and Lewis Travis on the injury list. Johnston suffered a setback during last weekend’s win and will be out for between six and eight weeks, according to Eustace.

Sheffield United Chief Speaks Fondly of Derby

Speaking ahead of the match in his pre-match press conference, Wilder reflected fondly on the previous matches between the two clubs and the atmosphere these fixtures bring.

“I always enjoy the games against Derby County. I always think this is a really edgy game and a tough game and it’s a game that I really enjoy. We always fill out at their place, and they always fill out at our place, and it’s a big club.

“One of the first games I remember when we got back into the Championship, was against Derby County. I think we won 2-0 and Sharpy scored from the halfway line and an own goal first half. It was a great game, one of the games of the season, early on in the season.”

Wilder added that he expects a “tight and cagey” contest this weekend.

“I like the place that we’re in at the moment and John [Eustace] will like the place that they’re in at the moment. Two wins and the points total they’ve got at the start of the season, and we’re trying to improve our points total, so it should be a good game, but I think it’ll be quite cagey at times.”

Brewster And Brereton Back to Haunt the Blades?

Saturday’s fixture will also see Rhian Brewster return to Bramall Lane for the first time since leaving the Blades in the summer. The striker, who joined Derby County on a free transfer after his contract expired, will be eager to make an impression against his former side, as will Ben Brereton Diaz, who had two short-term loan spells with the Blades.