Sheffield United beat Brentford in Chris Wilder's second game back
Chris Wilder has the first win of his second stint as Sheffield United manager, and the Blades have reason to hope once again, after beating Brentford 1-0 at Bramall Lane on Saturday.
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Sheffield United's beloved former player-turned-manager was reinstalled in the dugout after Paul Heckingbottom was sacked this week. After suffering a 2-0 home defeat to Liverpool on Wednesday, Wilder picked up his first Premier League victory since February 2021, a month before he was sacked.
Despite failing to find the back of the net in the opening 45 minutes, it was the Blades who were the sharper, more aggressive side from the opening whistle. They were rewarded for their efforts in first-half stoppage time, seemingly from out of nowhere as Manchester City loanee James McAtee uncorked a curler from near the edge of the penalty area on the right side, over top of a hopeless Mark Flekken and inside the far post.
Without three of their top four attackers coming into the season due to injury or suspension, Brentford found it incredibly difficult to manufacture scoring chances. The Bees managed just two shots from inside 12 yards, as most of their attempts came from set pieces.
The defeat leaves Brentford 11th in the table, having had a chance to go above Chelsea and climb into the top half of the Premier League table with a draw or win. Sheffield United, meanwhile, remain 20th out of 20 teams, but the Blades now find themselves just a point off 18th and two back of Everton in 17th.
What’s next?
The Blades will continue their fight against relegation next Saturday (10 am ET), when they travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea. Brighton will host Aston Villa in west London the next day (9 am ET).
Sheffield United vs Brentford, final score: 1-0
Goalscorers: James McAtee (45'+1)
46th minute - GOAL - James McAtee curls a beauty far post to make it 1-0
How to watch Sheffield United vs Brentford live, stream link and start time
Kick off: 10am ET, Saturday (December 9)
TV Channel: Peacock
Online: Stream via Peacock Premium
Sheffield United starting lineup
Foderingham — Ahmedhodzic, Robinson, Trusty — Bogle, Hamer, Vinicius Souza, Brooks — McAtee, Archer, Osula
Brentford starting lineup
Flekken — Ghoddos, Pinnock, Mee, Janelt — Norgaard, Onyeka, Baptiste — Wissa, Maupay, Lewis-Potter
Sheffield United focus, team news
Wilder lined up against Liverpool in a flexible 4-2-3-1 formation which became a 3-5-2 at times and Sheffield United got plenty of players forward on the counter against Liverpool and that will be their main focus against Brentford. They were dangerous from long throws too and the Blades will be playing to their strengths and plenty of these players are very familiar with how Wilder wants to play.
OUT: John Egan (ankle), Chris Basham (ankle), Tom Davies (thigh), Daniel Jebbison (illness), Rhys Norrington-Davies (thigh), Rhian Brewster (thigh), Ollie McBurnie (suspended), George Baldock (thigh)
Brentford focus, team news
The Bees continue to deal with big injuries and potentially losing Mbeumo is a huge blow. Frank at least has Norgaard back from suspension and if Mbeumo is out, Yoane Wissa is likely to start up top with Neal Maupay. Defensively the duo of Ethan Pinnick and Ben Mee are set to be rolled out once again as the Bees have so big injuries at full back and center back. If they can get a few of these players back before the busy festive period they will be in much better shape.
OUT: Ivan Toney (suspension), Nathan Collins (ankle), Rico Henry (torn ACL - out for season), Kevin Schade (adductor), Aaron Hickey (hamstring), Kristofer Ajer (foot)| QUESTIONABLE: Mathias Jensen (knock), Josh Dasilva (hamstring), Bryan Mbeumo (ankle)
