Team/Setup/How does the game playout today?

[CoolClaret]

How do you think Sheffield United will approach the match today, and what gameplan will Scott Parker set for us in response?

I anticipate Sheff will come out all guns blazing, given it's the very definition of a 'must-win' game for them.

Will we adopt a counter-attacking strategy similar to our Leeds away performance, or attempt to control the game as we normally do?

My prediction is that Laurent will replace Hannibal in the lineup, and we will play on the counter, gradually asserting control as Sheffield United begin to tire as the game goes on.

UTC!

[beddie]

Honestly I haven’t a clue. Yes it’s nice if we can beat them but sensibly the main thing in my thoughts is that we have to make sure we don’t lose, we’re then still in a very good position with two games remaining.

[Tricky Trevor]

It’s football, who knows but it’s a must win for them and a must not lose for us. The first goal will change things drastically. If we get it they need 2 and will throw more strikers on leaving them vulnerable to our counter. If they get it they will go massed defence and we know how we have struggled at home to break that down.
It will be a nail biter but I feel we are the better side and will edge it.

[taio]

Would be surprised if Sheff Utd go gung ho. I'd have thought they'd be happy going into the last 30 mins at 0-0. But hopefully, it will be very open, exciting, and we win.

[FCBurnley]

Blades will use a high aggressive press in an attempt to put pressure on our back four. They will try to force mistakes and be very physical. They have nothing to lose. Would like to have seen a top ref appointed but sadly not.
I am expecting a very attacking line up from them as they need goals today. A draw only prolongs their agony

[blatherwickstattoos]

Think they will do what they have done all season. Try and Bully teams without any real football being played. If we stick to our game we should be fine. They will defo go for it though

[NewClaret]

Heard Wilder comment on us and the only positive thing he really said is that we’re good defensively.

Will be amazed if he goes really attacking.

I think their game plan will be to keep it tight for 60-70 minutes, hope for a set piece or counter, then throw the kitchen sink at us last 20 minutes.

Expect Laurent to come back in for this one.

[Clive 1960]

Laurent in for Hannibal and Brownhill further forward for me ..

[adropofclaret]

We need cool heads and that's where I think Laurent may well start in place of Hannibal, I can see Sheff U trying to target players and wind us up.
Cool heads, stick to possession football and get at em!

[FCBurnley]

If Hannibal plays they will goad him into getting a red but we have looked better as an attacking unit with him in the team

[CoolClaret]

Would be surprised if Sheff Utd go gung ho. I'd have thought they'd be happy going into the last 30 mins at 0-0. But hopefully, it will be very open, exciting, and we win.

Heard Wilder comment on us and the only positive thing he really said is that we’re good defensively.

Will be amazed if he goes really attacking.

I think their game plan will be to keep it tight for 60-70 minutes, hope for a set piece or counter, then throw the kitchen sink at us last 20 minutes.

Expect Laurent to come back in for this one.

Yeah perhaps they'll try a smash and grab, but if it doesn't come off for them and they only spend 20-30 mins going for it I think it'll leave a real sour taste in the mouths of the blades fans, who it seems for the most part, are sick of Wilder.

[Venkys4eva]

Hopefully the noxious wilder has them so pumped up they are down to 10 within the first 20 minutes.

[KlyBfc]

I would imagine they will approach the game like they did v leeds at bramall lane. They will press aggressively and try to swarm us with their centre halves being physical with flemming when we go long. It will be a tough opening period but like in that game they will tire if they try that.

Edwards could be key for us today. I just cant see them doubling up on him and burrows and hamer (if he plays left) will give him plenty of opportunities to get at then. Hope we can get the ball to him to exploit that.

[matttheclaret]

I can see Laurent coming in for Edwards today

Trafford
Roberts Egan-Riley Esteve Pires
Laurent Cullen
Anthony Brownhill Hannibal
Flemming

[JR1882]

We are capable of the dark arts, cool heads will prevail. I can see them loosing the plot if we score first.

I don’t think they will be all guns blazing, I think they will keep it tight and make sure we don’t score (can be done) and they will fancy nicking one from a set play. Expecting an aerial onslaught, it’s a massive game for the lads at the back.

[CaptJohn]

One thing we don't have in the current line up is out and out pace. I expect them to play a very high line due to this. One left field answer would be to play Koleosho from the start with Edwards dropping to the bench. I doubt for a minute that Parker will do this but it worked very well at Leeds. Also I feel that Koleosho just adds a tad more defensively than Edwards, giving Roberts a little more cover.

[expoultryboy]

I'd expect them to play a lot of high/long balls into our box . Two holding midfielders in Cullen and Laurent to get control of the midfield .

[fatboy47]

Hopefully the noxious wilder has them so pumped up they are down to 10 within the first 20 minutes.

I'm far from convinced that that will help.... neither am I sure that this referee will prevent them booting Edwards and Anthony up in the air...and are we happy that Hannibal can handle the pressure of this game?....this is one game I'd have welcomed a top Prem ref and VAR.

Parker's got us this far though...we can do this.

[expoultryboy]

As Matt says , he could play Hannibal on the right to assist Roberts . There again , let them worry about us - we're the better team .

[warksclaret]

My only fear is they will target Pires with Rak-Sakhi their right winger. Hopefully our coaches will have anticipated and Anthony will be there to help (something he is brilliant at both ends of the field). Having read this post I tend to agree Laurent to play DM with Cullen, and push Brownhill upfront who has a good scoring record against them. I think if Edwards can really get involved we may be too much for them, but agree its a must not lose game. Hannibal is great to have on the bench as he can play several roles

[morninbob]

My only fear is they will target Pires with Rak-Sakhi their right winger. Hopefully our coaches will have anticipated and Anthony will be there to help (something he is brilliant at both ends of the field). Having read this post I tend to agree Laurent to play DM with Cullen, and push Brownhill upfront who has a good scoring record against them. I think if Edwards can really get involved we may be too much for them, but agree its a must not lose game. Hannibal is great to have on the bench as he can play several roles

Rak sakyi is bobbins, pires will be fine.

[warksclaret]

Rak sakyi is bobbins, pires will be fine.

Lets hope MB-just going on their last few games

[Colburn_Claret]

It's all a guess, but I'd expect them to start off fast, they have to.

So we need to start just as fast to take the sting out of them, sitting back and soaking it up is dangerous, because if they sneak one we will have a mountain to climb. Expecting the fast start I'd start Koleosho for Edwards, and use his pace for quick counters over the top. I'd then bring Edwards on second half when the pace of the game settles.
I'd start Laurent for Hannibal simply because he is a calmer figure who won't get bullied, and it also allows Brownhill to push further forward, where he does his best work.
AND PLEASE get the ball into the box early, fast and low.

[GrahamBranchsPerm]

I think we play Laurent as Vini S is a fair old beast and also JL that bit more experienced and finally Hannibal more technical and more of a risk taker which we may need if we go behind.

Otherwise I really hope we play our normal game (Edwards etc) and trust ourselves, as the better team, to at least get a draw.

Huge game.

UTC

[Murger]

When we concede, it tends to be early on. So we need to ride out the first 20 minutes, as they’ll come straight out of the traps.
Laurent for Hannibal for me.

[FCBurnley]

Shut down Vini S and Hamer and you shut down SU

[warksclaret]

Parker has found his best 11. Dont expect any major changes other than a choice between Hannibal and Laurent. In view of the physicality iof the Sheff Utd midfield, I would expect Laurent to start

[HahaYeah]

Blades will use a high aggressive press in an attempt to put pressure on our back four. They will try to force mistakes and be very physical. They have nothing to lose. Would like to have seen a top ref appointed but sadly not.
I am expecting a very attacking line up from them as they need goals today. A draw only prolongs their agony

Agree with this. Could have to weather the storm early on.

[SirBob]

We’ll get an early goal and Sheffield will fall apart, 3-0 to the clarets and a carnival atmosphere to celebrate promotion

[ecc]

Agree with this. Could have to weather the storm early on.

Expecting a 90-minute °+ storm.

[HahaYeah]

Expecting a 90-minute °+ storm.

True enough, should be a real battle.

[BurnleyFC]

I’m still not convinced he hasn’t lost them after his antics the game before last.

Hopefully we’ll smash them and send old bacon chops into another meltdown.

[claretspice]

Fully expect them to press high and aggressively, and to commit Burrows to playing high up the pitch. They'll see our lack of pace to go over the press as a potential weakness, and they'll see Burrows v Edwards defensively as a match up they can win.

[Goalposts]

If their smart they will man mark cullen to stop us playing and linking up and press really high

[Colburn_Claret]

Fully expect them to press high and aggressively, and to commit Burrows to playing high up the pitch. They'll see our lack of pace to go over the press as a potential weakness, and they'll see Burrows v Edwards defensively as a match up they can win.

Which is why I'd start Koleosho

[CoolClaret]

Laurent misses out! Really surprised at that one...

[Tricky Trevor]

Teams are announced.
No change for us.
They’ve gone with Moore, Cannon and BBD up front with Hamer behind. They’ll be firing stuff in towards Moore hoping to pick up the bits of that. We need to stop the supply.