After promotion to the Premier League two seasons ago, Sheffield United are aiming to bounce back at the first time of asking this season with Chris Wilder — but they face a tough test against Coventry City tonight.
It’s an enthralling promotion race, and it’s by no means over yet, with many Championship fans changing their tune about the promotion picture now. We are approaching the business end of the season with Sheffield United now level with league leaders Leeds United going into Friday’s game.
Burnley remain two points adrift in third. It’s been an impressive seasons from each, with more twists and turns to come as the Blades will look to take a huge step forward in the Championship title race.
But it also could be a fixture that has a huge say on the play-off picture ahead of the final eight games for teams in the top six mix as well for Frank Lampard. The quality on show is highlighted by our combined XI of Sheffield United and Coventry.
Photo by Ed Sykes/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Photo by Ed Sykes/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Rhian Brewster must be dropped for Callum O’Hare against Coventry City
Lampard has spoken previously about Wilder and the games in years gone by between them, while Wilder has enjoyed ‘tremendous’ previous fixtures against the legendary Chelsea figure.
Coventry are in great form and breaking records under Lampard, who can do Leeds’ promotion chances a favour with a result at Bramall Lane. It’s a huge fixture and is sure to be an entertaining match, with many of the best players in the Championship on display.
That includes Callum O’Hare, who only joined from Coventry in the summer transfer window. Despite his match-winning goal against Sheffield Wednesday, the Blades’ bitter Steel City derby rivals, there is no other good reason for Wilder to keep Rhian Brewster in the starting line-up tonight.
He has a few options in this instance, with the versatile Gus Hamer able to operate centrally to great effect, meanwhile Jesurun Rak-Sakyi could return to switch Ben Brereton-Diaz to a more natural left-sided role.
However, neither of those options get the player into the side who will potentially have a point to prove in Callum O’Hare. He, like Hamer, is coming up against his former employers. Like Hamer, he brings a level of energy and relentlessness to the team that will be crucial out of possession.
It makes sense, therefore, to sacrifice a forward for a more energetic midfield player against Cov’s talented engine room. The Blades won’t have the game all their own way, with the game likely to ebb and flow in terms of rhythm.
O’Hare is a player with quality but who also enjoys the battle, which is exactly what Wilder will be looking for from his No.10. His intensity and pressing will be needed to combat against Matt Grimes’ ball progression and ability to dictate.
Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images
Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images
Chris Wilder comments on Gus Hamer and Callum O’Hare return against Coventry
Callum O’Hare has been earmarked to make an impact. And speaking via the Coventry Telegraph prior to the 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture, Wilder also explained that the pair of ex-Coventry players in his ranks perhaps have a point to prove against their former employers.
He said: “Let’s do it for Gus! I’m not so sure Cal’s going to get the reception that he maybe should get, but knowing Callum and getting to know his character, I don’t think that’ll upset him.
“Both players had fabulous contributions to that work and the rise of Coventry City, under Mark [Robins], but we understand football and we understand how it all pans out.
Neither player were on the scoresheet in the reverse, but they will no doubt be looking for a vital goal in Sheffield United’s season and in one of the hardest remaining games against the in-form Sky Blues.
Position Team Played Goal difference Points
1 Coventry City 14 +9 31
2 Burnley 14 +20 30
3 Leeds United 14 +22 29
4 Sheffield United 14 +6 29
5 Sunderland 14 +3 25
Championship form teams 2025
Wilder explained their desperation, he added: “And both boys will be desperate. Both boys have played a major part in our start to the season. They’ve been great to work with. I’m sure there’s more to come.
“But certainly, those boys are going to be instrumental in our season and they can be those consistent performers as they have been, then we’ll give ourselves a good opportunity of getting results.”