Sheffield United welcome struggling Derby County to Bramall Lane on Saturday afternoon in an early kick-off in the EFL Championship.
The Blades managed to put a late defeat away at Portsmouth behind them and battled hard for a 1-0 victory at Bristol City last weekend, marking two clean sheets in their last three games.
The Rams have picked up just six points all season, with their only victory coming back on September 1st. Five defeats and two draws have followed since then. Their recent record at Bramall Lane is also nothing to be desired; having found one win in their last six meetings in S2.
Team News
Chris Wilder recently spoke about injuries to Matt Doherty and Jamie Shackleton, leaving options at right-back extremely limited last week after Hamza Choudhury’s second yellow card.
The good news for the Blades is that the Bangladesh international is back, and Femi Seriki could also return to the matchday squad this weekend.
Derby have been dealing with several injuries to their defence. Craig Forsyth, Charlie Taylor, Max Johnston, Eiran Cashin and Sondre Langas all have question marks over them regarding availability for the trip to South Yorkshire. Meanwhile, the Rams first choice stopper Jacob Widell Zatterstrom continues to be sidelined.
Of course, two former Blades could play their part at Bramall Lane as Rhian Brewster and Jack Robinson look to make an impact back at their old stomping ground.
Sheffield United’s Impact Player For This Game
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 13: Andre of Wolverhampton Wanderers is tackled by Oliver Arblaster of Sheffield United during the Sky Bet Championship 2026/27 match between Sheffield United and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Bramall Lane on September 13, 2026 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
With the form that Oliver Arblaster has shown this season, the debate among the fanbase between who is better (Arblaster or Sydie Peck) has started to resume. This just shows how good the Blades academy truly is. And while some supporters argue both should start together, others believe there’s only space for one of them in the side, and I would agree.
Both players want to be the ones to dictate the tempo and pull the strings. Having a player in midfield like Jairo Riedewald or Hamza Choudhury would be more beneficial to pair them up with.
Arblaster should start at the weekend, and he can be the man to break the Derby lines. With more and more game time under his belt, Arblaster is now showing his silky touches, dribbling, and eye for a pass. That’s not to mention his outstanding volley to win the game against Bristol City last time out.
The young midfielder has registered seven key passes, a 59% duel success rate, and a 50% dribble success rate. Look for Arblaster to run the show from start to finish if he indeed does make the starting eleven on Saturday.
Derby County’s Impact Player For This Game
Sammie Szmodics could be the player capable of making the difference for the Rams. John Eustace’s side have endured a difficult start to the Championship campaign, sitting 23rd after collecting just six points from their opening 11 matches. Derby have also struggled for goals and consistency, making Szmodics’ ability to operate between the lines and create opportunities key.
The attacking midfielder is capable of finding pockets of space around the opposition penalty area, linking up with the forwards and making dangerous late runs into the box. His movement could be vital against a Blades defence that will need to remain alert to runners from midfield.
Szmodics has scored three Championship goals and registered one assist, while recording 25 shots, nine on target and 35 touches inside the opposition penalty area. His 1.58 expected goals also suggests he has consistently found positions from which to threaten goal.
The Republic of Ireland international is more of a goal threat than a traditional playmaker, looking to exploit spaces around the striker rather than simply dictate possession.
My Prediction
John Eustace’s men have started the season very poorly. They have injuries to deal with. They are struggling to stop the ball from going in the net. And they are facing a Sheffield United side that look as though they have a bit more belief and resilience about them since coming back from the international break.
The Blades can add another win to their campaign here; three points and a 3-1 victory for Wilder’s side on Saturday afternoon.