Sheffield United will be looking to carry on their blistering start to the season and make it ten games unbeaten in the Championship when they face an inconsistent Birmingham City side at Bramall Lane on Saturday.
The Blades sit at the top of the table, having scored the most goals in the division whilst only Preston can boast a better defensive record.
Key to the Blades form this season has been forward Ilman Ndiaye who has put in a host of impressive performances. The Senegelese international is United’s top goalscorer this season, with five goals and his performances have earned him many plaudits this season.
Speaking to SUTV, captain Billy Sharp said: “Iliman, he’s a breath of fresh air. He’s one person individually who has got consistency.”
Leading the line for the Blades alongside Ndiaye is set to be Oli McBurnie, who has been in resurgent form, scoring four in his last five games.
Despite the Blades’ good form, the visitors from the second city will feel confident going into this fixture. Birmingham City have a good record against United and are unbeaten at Bramall Lane since 2009 and took all three points in this fixture last term. The West Midlands side will also take encouragement from their previous two away outings which saw the Blues beat West Brom and Preston North End 2-3 and 0-2 respectively.
John Eustace’s men will look to former Blade Scott Hogan for goals. The Irishman sits joint-third in the Championship goalscoring charts this season, with five goals to his name including an impressive hat-trick away at West Brom.
Both sides are going into Saturday’s clash missing key players. For the hosts, there is a long list in the treatment room, with defender Amel Ahmedhodzic the latest to miss out. The visitors have their own injury problems with Marc Roberts, a key figure in the Blues backline missing out with a hamstring injury.
Kick off at Bramall Lane is at 3pm.