Sheffield Wednesday ace surely in line for Steel City derby start, Danny Rohl knows how ‘helpful’ he can be

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The day has finally arrived; the big Steel City derby is just hours away, and it’s got us thinking about how Danny Rohl might set up his Sheffield Wednesday side for the game.

It’s been a pretty good season for both sides of the Sheffield divide, with the Owls still in with an outside shot at claiming a play-off spot, and the Blades pushing Leeds United right to the wire for the Championship title.

This kind of game is always hard to call, with experts predicting a low-scoring Steel City derby this time around at Hillsborough.

Three points for either time would be a huge boost for either side in pursuit of their goals this season, while the bragging rights may be even more valuable.

Danny Rohl knows he will have a tough task on his hands this lunchtime, but one player could come into the fold and make a big difference for the Owls.

• READ MORE: ‘They’ll know by kick-off’… What Barry Bannan will tell Sheffield Wednesday teammates ahead of Steel City derby

Nathaniel Chalobah deserves to start vs Sheffield United

Last time out, Wednesday pulled off a stunning comeback to beat Norwich City. From two goals down at half-time to 3-2 winners, the Owls showed their resilience and determination on Tuesday night, and they’ll be hoping for similar fight in the derby.

While fans were buzzing with Josh Windass for his role in that win, they also had plenty of praise for Nathaniel Chalobah, with claims he was even the Man of the Match on the night.

The midfielder started the game on the bench, but replaced Svante Ingelsson in the second half. Chalobah helped Wednesday take back control of the game and win the contest in the middle of the park, in one of his best performances in blue and white.

Chalobah’s passing was immense in that second half, and he showed a lot of grit to win five of his nine duels, too. While Ingelsson offers more athleticism and drive going forward, Chalobah brings an air of calm and composure to the midfield battle.

Those attributes would come in handy against United. Wednesday will need to prevent Sheffield United from playing the game Chris Wilder wants them, too, and it’s very likely the match will be won or lost in midfield.

Chalobah’s ability to keep the ball moving, to protect his defenders, and to help the Owls turnover possession would be invaluable to Rohl’s efforts, and after his showing in midweek, there’s no denying the 30-year-old deserves the starting spot.

• READ MORE: Danny Rohl’s seven-figure Sheffield Wednesday release clause revealed as Southampton eye new manager

It’s been a difficult season for Nathaniel Chalobah

After signing for Sheffield Wednesday last summer, Chalobah had hoped to keep his career ticking in the wake of being let go by West Brom.

However, a string of injury and fitness issues halted his progress in S6. In fact, Chalobah didn’t even make his Owls league debut until the 1st of December 2024, and he still only has 11 Championship appearances to his name this term.

But, he’s making progress all the time. Danny Rohl previously described Chalobah as ‘helpful’, praising the midfielder’s development since returning from injury in the New Year.

He’s a quality player on his day, and he finally looks to be getting some kind of consistency and momentum under his belt of late.

Here’s hoping he can bag a rare start this weekend, and push on from here until the end of the season.