Sheffield United vs Hull City – Preview

Sheffield United vs Hull City – Preview

Sheffield United and Hull City lock horns at Bramall Lane on Saturday afternoon in the Sky Bet Championship.

The Blades come into this fixture looking to build some momentum as the season enters its final phase. United are winless in their last six matches having surrendered ten points from winning positions in that period. Monday afternoon’s trip to Bristol City ended in a frustrating 1-0 loss in what was a tale of two halves.

Hull are flying high in the top six and despite back-to-back stalemates, they still have aspirations of finishing in the top with only four points separating themselves and Ipswich Town.

Team News

Chris Wilder will continue to be without Sam McCallum and Michael Cooper, while Kalvin Phillips continues to try and get back to full fitness. The United boss made several changes in the defeat at Ashton Gate, and with a poor first half showing he could well revert to the likes of Andre Brooks, Gustavo Hamer, Tyler Bindon and Callum O’Hare once more.

Defenders Akin Famewo and Ryan Giles remain sidelined for the trip to Bramall Lane. Former Blades academy prospect Regan Slater could also miss the game against his boyhood club due to an ankle injury, as could fellow midfielders Darko Gyabi and Eliot Matazo.

Sheffield United’s Impact Player For This Game

One player who could be crucial for the Blades in this fixture is Andre Brooks. The winger offers a direct attacking threat and could be key in stretching Hull City’s defensive shape.

Whilst starting on the bench last time out against Bristol City, his presence in the second half was a huge difference. He managed three shots, two of them on target, three successful take-ons and one key pass. He also made seven ball recoveries highlighting his work rate.

Brooks thrives in wide areas where he can isolate defenders and take them on. His pace and willingness to run at opponents make him a constant outlet, particularly in transition or when Sheffield United are looking to inject tempo into their attacks. Once he gets into stride, he is very difficult to stop and often forces defenders into uncomfortable situations, especially if he has the overlapping option of Femi Seriki.

He is also effective in the final third, whether that’s delivering crosses into the box or cutting inside to create shooting opportunities. His ability to carry the ball into dangerous areas helps Sheffield United progress up the pitch quickly.

Another key aspect of his game is his work rate. Brooks is not just an attacking threat; he also tracks back and supports defensively, which could be important against Hull City’s wide players.

Hull City’s Impact Player For This Game

It is most probably written in the stars for Oli McBurnie to come back to Bramall Lane and haunt his former club. The Scotsman already has 13 goals and seven assists to his account this term.

The striker offers a physical focal point and will be key to how Hull approach this game, particularly when they look to go more direct up against the likes of Japhet Tanganga and Tyler Bindon.

McBurnie’s strength is one of his biggest assets. He is excellent at holding the ball up under pressure, bringing teammates into play and allowing Hull to move up the pitch. Against a Sheffield United defence that has been so inconsistent, his aerial ability could be crucial in relieving pressure. He’s averaging over seven duels per game and over four aerial duels won per game.

In the air, he provides a constant threat. Whether it’s from crosses, long balls, or set pieces, McBurnie’s aerial presence gives Hull another route to goal. United will need to be organised defensively and ready to compete physically throughout the match.

He also has a knack for being in the right place at the right time inside the box. While he may not rely on pace, his movement and positioning allow him to get on the end of chances, particularly in second-ball situations. He has also carried a creative spark this season, averaging over one chance created per game.

My Prediction

This feels like this will be a game with chances at both ends, with neither side able to fully dominate for long periods. Moments of individual quality could ultimately be the difference.

Given United’s untrustworthy defence, I think Hull City and former Blade Oli McBurnie can get the job done here. The Tigers can exit South Yorkshire with a 2-1 victory.

Stats taken from Fotmob and Opta.