Sheffield United looking for a quick bounce back after losing to “head and shoulders the best team” | OneFootball

Sheffield United will be hoping to quickly bounce back from their first defeat in the Championship, after a tough away test against Leeds United they face back-to-back tricky away matches as they travel to Middlesbrough on Wednesday night.

Middlesbrough also come into the midweek game having lost as they suffered a 2-0 defeat at home to Bristol City on Saturday afternoon.

Leeds United secured a commanding 2-0 victory over Sheffield United on Friday night at Elland Road, leaving the Blades with their first defeat of the season. Chris Wilder’s side were second-best, as Leeds dominated the game, capitalising on key moments to clinch all three points.

Sheffield United entered the match with notable changes in their lineup and formation. Wilder opted for a return to the 5-3-2 shape, a system the Blades had not used this season. Despite the tactical switch, it wasn’t enough to contain the intensity and precision of a determined Leeds United side.

Chris Wilder admitted to SUTV that his side was outclassed. “Beaten by the better side, no doubt about it,” he said. “We didn’t have any answers to them. Head and shoulders the best team we’ve played so far this season. It’s a disappointing evening for us all but we didn’t deserve anything.”

Wilder also addressed his decision to revert to a back three, a move that marked a significant tactical change. “Because I’m a manager and I have to go with what I feel is the best opportunity,” Wilder explained. “It would’ve been easy for me to stick with that formation, but we felt as a coaching group and myself personally that that was the best way to go about it.”

Acknowledging the strength of the opposition, Wilder added, “We haven’t played a Leeds United before or a team of their quality and structure and the energy they got from a passionate home support.”

LEEDS, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 18: Chris Wilder, Manager of Sheffield United, gestures during the Sky Bet Championship match between Leeds United FC and Sheffield United FC at Elland Road on October 18, 2024 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

Sheffield United should revert back to the 4-2-3-1  shape but will Gustavo Hamer be fit for Middlesbrough?

Before the game there was plenty of eyebrows raised because of the switch to a five at the back, many claimed the Blades were showing Leeds far too expect. Given how the game played out, they certainly weren’t wrong; United barely laid a glove on their Yorkshire rivals. You’d expect Wilder to revert back to the 4-2-3-1 system against Middlesbrough in midweek.

To compound the Blades’ frustrations from Friday night, midfielder Gustavo Hamer was forced off with a tight calf, prompting a substitution. Wilder confirmed the injury after the match: “Gus had a tight calf so he had to come off.” Sydie Peck came on in his place.

With a short turnaround, perhaps the Blades will choose to keep Hamer on the sidelines, but with Vinicius Souza suspended for the Boro clash, Sydie Peck will likely be lined up in United’s midfield no matter what the situation is with the Dutch midfielder.