Sheffield United expert identifies major weakness that could make Steel City derby an ‘easier day’ for the Owls

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Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday go head-to-head once more this weekend in the Steel City derby, and we’ve got an expert opinion on where the game could be won and lost for the Blades.

It’s one of the fiercest rivalries in football; a treat for any neutral, and the most important date on the footballing calendars for anyone in Sheffield.

While Sheffield United snatched a 1-0 win at Bramall Lane earlier this season, Sheffield Wednesday will certainly fancy their chances this time around.

Danny Rohl’s side go into Sunday’s game on the back of a stunning comeback win against Norwich City in midweek, and will be full of confidence at Hillsborough.

But, as we know, the Blades are a top, top team, and they have the ability to hurt Wednesday. So, here’s what we know about Chris Wilder’s team, and where the Owls could exploit any weaknesses in their opponents.

• READ MORE: Championship today as Sheffield Wednesday stun Norwich, Leeds United reclaim top spot, and John Eustace fixes Derby County

Sheffield United have problems at right-back, and a striker issue to resolve

EFL Analysis picked the brain of TBR Football’s Lee Connor, an expert on all things Sheffield United, to see what potential chinks the Blades have in their armour ahead of Sunday’s clash.

He said: “The main weakness is at right back and it could be interesting who plays. Young Femi Seriki started in midweek but has had different injuries.

“Harry Clarke and Alfie Gilchrist are both injured but Wilder said they might have half a chance, so Wednesday will probably look at that area with Djeidi Gassama and co. out wide.”

There are fitness issues at the other end, too, with an in-form Tyrese Campbell possibly being unavailable.

Connor added; “Another issue for United is up top. If Tyrese Campbell is fit to play, we look a threat. If not, it’s a struggle. Tom Cannon hasn’t settled and Rhian Brewster and Kieffer Moore aren’t goal scorers. If Campbell is out, Wednesday will have an easier day.”

• READ MORE: Chris Wilder sweating on Sheffield United trio ahead of Steel City derby with bad news for Bristol City clash

Sheffield United have Premier League quality players

Obviously, United have plenty of strengths. We’ve seen the Blades relentlessly march towards promotion this season, and they’re even managing to grind out wins when they’re not at their best.

So, where can Sheffield United hurt Wednesday? Connor said: “Although the main striker might be an issue with no Campbell, we do have so many other attacking threats.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	LeedsLeeds	37	23	10	4	74	23	51	79
2	Sheff UtdSheffield Utd	37	24	7	6	52	28	24	77
3	BurnleyBurnley	37	20	15	2	50	11	39	75
4	SunderlandSunderland	37	19	12	6	55	34	21	69
5	West BromWest Brom	37	13	17	7	47	33	14	56
6	CoventryCoventry	37	16	8	13	52	48	4	56
7	Bristol CityBristol City	37	13	15	9	47	40	7	54
8	MiddlesbroughMiddlesbrough	37	15	8	14	57	48	9	53
9	BlackburnBlackburn	37	15	7	15	41	38	3	52
10	WatfordWatford	37	15	7	15	47	50	-3	52
11	Sheffield WednesdaySheffield Wednesday	37	14	9	14	53	58	-5	51

“Gustavo Hamer, Callum O’Hare, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, and Ben Brereton-Diaz have all done well at times, while Sydie Peck and Vinicius Souza tend to dominate games in midfield.

“At the back, we’re also quite solid, with Michael Cooper arguably the best goalkeeper outside the Premier League.”

• READ MORE: Chris Wilder makes surprising Bristol City admission after Sheffield United’s ‘disappointing’ draw, Liam Manning will be happy

Steel City derby will be huge Sydie Peck

There are a number of players who will be looking to make an impact at Hillsborough on Sunday, but Lee Connor picked out three here, with one who can run the show, one who might be a little too passionate, and one who will be ‘desperate’ to score.

He said: “Gus Hamer is the man Wednesday will fear the most. He can win games on his own at this level and if he plays well, we’ll likely win.

“Sydie Peck is one to watch too. He’s got Wednesday fans on strings a bit at the moment on the socials and he also loves a tackle. Peck will be right up for it but needs to not get carried away either. It’s a big game for him.

“Outside of that, it would kill Owls fans if Rhian Brewster got a winner. They’ve given him plenty of stick since he signed — including a comment from Barry Bannan — so Rhian will be desperate to bag.

If any of those players can be at their best this weekend, Sheffield United will have a great chance at doing the Steel City double this season. And another three points would keep up their pursuit of the Championship title, as well as delivering bragging rights across the city.