Blues aiming for revenge on Blades.
Contents:
- Introduction
- Predicted line-ups
- Out of possession play
- In possession play
- Statistical quirk
- Key players
- Prediction
It’s been an up and down season for Birmingham City but one of the lowest points of the campaign came in a 3-0 defeat at Bramall Lane back in December.
It was a third straight away defeat and the fourth winless match in a run that would see Blues go without victory for seven games. It was an abject loss and one that encapsulated Chris Davies’ side’s issues on their travels.
The Blades have ridden the Championship rollercoaster themselves this year, and like Blues (perhaps) find themselves with little chance of making the top six with nine matches to play.
So will it be repeat or revenge when Chris Wilder’s men visit the Second City?
Wilder has chopped and changed throughout the season with a plethora of options to elect from in this deep Blades squad. Former Blues man Tahith Chong may return to St. Andrew’s for the first time since his departure.
Gustavo Hamer has already dazzled in B9 this campaign with his halfway line stunner in the cup clash but will be missing through suspension on Saturday.
For Blues a return to winning ways may see many of the same side continue. Jack Robinson looks set to face his old side whilst Ethan Laird should retain his place at left-back with Kai Wagner missing.
Predicted line-ups:
Out of possession work:
The Blades have conceded the sixth most goals in the division this season (51).
Opposition’s half:
The Blades are one of the most active teams without the ball in the division and it pays dividends, with Wilder’s side winning the most possession in the final third per match (4.4).
It’s easy to see why when you watch them too. They set up with their front four – either two wingers and two strikers or three behind a lone striker – on the edge of the opponent’s box from goal kicks.
As soon as the ball is in play they’re hounding defenders, getting close to them and trying to force turnovers. They also cover the pivot players with the line of their run, rather than committing another player.
This bit is key as it stops them getting overloaded when the ball goes long. If they committed an extra midfielder high, going man-to-man on the defensive midfielder of their opposition, they’d then be man-to-man deeper.
By cutting off the defensive midfielder with a curved run instead they then give themselves a man advantage further back, allowing them to win possession both high and deep.
When the pivot player moves forward in more settled possession for the opposition, then a Blades midfielder is happy to go man-to-man and track them.
Out wide they’re particularly combative, with the wingers and full-backs both doubling up. They’re happy to commit players around the ball and risk being played through, as their centre-backs are mobile and happy to cover the wide channels.
Own half:
One thing about this iteration of Wilder’s team is that they can be very vulnerable in transition.
Much like the outside centre-back era of Sheffield United’s Premier League rise, the Blades commit their full-backs very high in possession – as I’ll come on to.
This means when they lose the ball they can be caught with few players back. Particularly in wide areas, where once the winger has committed to trying to win the ball back, the full-back then follows suit and quickly you’re left with an exposed channel.
They’re also not best equipped to deal with a striker who likes to drop in and receive the ball. The Blades midfielders are generally focused on the players in front of them whilst the attacking midfielder/striker are the centre-backs’ responsibility.
Richard Kone had success doing so for QPR and I think Marvin Ducksch could be useful for Blues if they can get players in close proximity to him.
In possession work:
The Blades average just over half the possession in their matches (51.7%).
Build up:
Sheffield United are one of the more expansive sides in the league despite their middling possession rank. They push plenty of numbers forward and like to play on the edge.
When they build out the centre-halves are quite wide and happy to step forwards. They generally have a back three with one in front when they have possession, whether that’s one of the full-backs as the third defender or the defensive midfielder dropping in.
In the footage it was abundantly clear that they were trying to create a situation with four narrow forwards on the last line, and both full-backs wide to give them a threat.
As such Jairo Reidewald was constantly signalling to the full-backs to push on as he came short to receive off the defenders. Sydie Peck also dropped in deep at times.
The wide combinations again are a good avenue, with plenty of players in close proximity. The full-backs push on whilst the winger offers support, and then the ball-side midfielder and striker also look to make runs and offer an option.
That’s one of the key factors with this group. There’s nearly always players showing for the ball, busting a gut to work an angle and receive it. That kind of attitude gives them a chance against anyone.
Chance creation:
Blades do work themselves into great areas consistently, taking the third most touches in the opposition’s box, but perhaps don’t follow that up with enough chances.
Their attacking metrics are fairly strong, but more the level of a top half side than a promotion pushing team. Eighth for big chances, ninth for shots on target albeit fourth for expected goals.
You can see why they have so much joy in getting into forward areas. With four forwards narrow they limit their opposition’s defenders’ ability to stretch and they can get caught too close to each other, whilst the Blades players buzz around them.
They do have plenty of options attacking the box, even if their crossing numbers are quite poor. Players want to get in the mix but the quality hasn’t always been there – having the fifth most headed shots but mustering up just five headed goals.
Hamer’s absence is big for Blues as his influence has been vast but even when he has been missing they’ve still found other ways to create, particularly through Callum O’Hare.
They have the right kinds of forwards with Tyrese Campbell and Tom Cannon both capable goalscorers at this level, but the absences of Hamer and Patrick Bamford could be impactful.
Statistical quirk:
The Blades have received the joint most red cards in the league (5) and their games have seen the joint most sendings off too (9).
Key players:
- Japhet Tanganga – a key part in defending wide areas, Tanganga is the experienced one amongst the centre-back pairing.
- Sydie Peck – such a clever footballer, Peck has been a mainstay in the side and has such a big influence.
- Callum O’Hare – a man who’s stung Blues before, O’Hare picks up lovely areas and has shown a real eye for goal this season.
This will no doubt be a tough test and after the midweek results there is a glimmer of hope for Blues, whilst the Blades have seen any chance of a play-off finish dwindle.
Wilder’s sides never rolled over easily but their games have been pretty all or nothing – drawing just four games, the league’s fewest.
Given the lethargic nature of the second-half on Wednesday I can see both sides trudging to a draw.
My prediction: Birmingham City 2, Sheffield United 2.
