Would you feel for Billy?

[TomHeffernan]

I hope you’re all joking. If Billy starts he’ll score. Absolutely no doubt about it. He’ll be up for this more than any game. I’d absolutely start him in this game. Plus if he scores his confidence will be back immediately and he’ll be back on a roll

 

[thehet]

What did Wilder say?
He's loyal but not sentimental?
Right now Sharp doesn't get in our starting 11 for me, but if I could choose anyone to score the winner/4th in front of the kop it would be Billy.

But he played him against Bolton and he was pretty awful.

My guess is he will start on Friday.

 

[Blend-it-like-Harris]

Tactically I'd go with Billy and Clarky, and I suspect Wilder will do, with Donaldson to come on after Billy's run his socks off and knackered their center backs in the process.

 

[1889]

Wilder could pick either Billy or Clayton to start and it wouldn't surprise me, both have different strengths, so I suppose ultimately, it's down to how Wilder judges Wednesday's weaknesses.

I also suspect we'll have James Wilson on the bench too, so he would be another option, dependent upon how the game is going.

I know Wilder said there's no room for sentiment, but personally I'd love to see Billy play a part, he has certainly earned it and I doubt he will get another chance to play in the Derby before he retires, what with us being in different divisions next season

 

[mattbianco1]

It's unfortunate for him but there's zero room for sentiment in a game like this, and on current form he doesn't get in the side.

But it shouldn't shock anybody if we see him start.

Agree 100%

He will understand that too. The win is the most important thing. He'll get the last 20mins at least

 

[him behind you]

I worry he'd be so fired up he'd be at risk of a red card. Trust Wilder to do what's right.

 

[Harry's Game]

Can see him coming on for the last 15 minutes and grabbing the winner in a 1-0 win.

 

[sheffielder]

I think billy starts and scores on Friday. He was better against Ipswich and I doubt there isn’t a more motivated player in the squad.

I also say this because we have no idea how the porn star is setting them up to play on Friday or how deep. In this aspect if you need to change anything donaldson is a better impact sub than Sharp.

 

[UnitedBlade]

From Saturday, it sounds like some form is returning.

I don't think he'll start but he'll be desperate to play at some point.

He's never scored or been on the winning side in a derby.

I'd be delighted if he comes on and gets the winner.

It would be his 200th League goal.

Oh my.

 

[mattbianco1]

Agree 100%

He will understand that too. The win is the most important thing. He'll get the last 20mins at least

Right ok. Wilson has signed so I now change my view.

If we start with Clarke/Wilson - we may still see him.
If we start with Clarke/The Don - I think Wilson will come on instead.

I don't think Donaldson is an impact player off the bench.

 

[Iceybabey]

He'll get on the pitch Frideh I reckon. Wouldn't be surprised to see him start. Wilder has little hunches, Donaldson vs Villa for instance, so wouldn't be overly surprised to see Billy start tbh.

 

[SB_90]

its horrible & i would feel for him because you know more than anything he would want to play & even score in a Sheffield derby. but unfortunately there is no sentiment in football & its about winning the game if Clarke / Donaldson is more successful pairing then unfortunately that has to be the choice

but saying that i would play billy on friday no doubt. because if ever he going have the game of his life it should be this. as he is quaranteed to give everything

 

[Carlton Blade]

2-1. Billy scores a late winner in front of the Kop. Definitely going to happen

 

[Kevincarterversion2.0]

Billy will play some part. His goal record last season (and to an extent this season) means he surely will be in the squad.

 

[ForgeBlade]

I would a little. Like many have said, on current form I wouldn't start him, but if we're 2 or 3 up with 20 minutes to go, then chuck him on for the chance of some personal glory and the opportunity for him to rub their snouts in it.

 

[@samjohnson77]

In a game like this... I'd start him all day. In or out of form he has to start for me. He knows exactly what it means and will run his nuts off for 70 mins then most probably come off for big Clayts.

 

[PokerBlade]

I'm not really bothered by his form. He's not the quickest and he's not very good at hold up play. Never has been. He's an out and out poacher and any decline in form has come, not very surprisingly, at a period where our midfield has been in tatters and our full back has often been the hardworking but not too pretty Basham.

Sharp is a fantastic player to have when you're creating lots of chances and holding possession in the midfield. He's not a very good one to have when you're scrapping, chasing channels, and searching for some creativity.

Whether he should play is a tactical decision based on how we want to set up and whether we expect to get more from Donaldson. It's not because he's suddenly lost it.

 

[Yellarbellyblade]

Whatever happens I’m willing to bet Billy will first and foremost want us to beat the S6 shower whether or not he plays. Obviously he will be desperate to play but he’s a Blade first and last

 

[gavtheblade]

Who's our penalty taker when Billy isn't playing?
We'll get one on Friday.

 

[madeinsheffield]

Play Billy (with Leon), get balls into the box. Playing to his strength. Let him bag his 200th League goal, also you can guarantee he will motivate others around him even more than CW will have already.

Then after 50-60 mins unleash the Don & Evans, whilst leaving Leon on to run Wendy's defenders tired and now even slower legs ragged.

 

[GrayBlade]

I’m sure Billy will be on the bench at the very least. He’ll be well up for this game.

 

[Th!stledo]

Football broken down is an uncomplicated and simplistic game But the emotions, sentiments and dreams that it inspires, fills us with the love, loyalty - and often frustrations - we feel for our great club.

Attacking the Kop End at Bramall Lane against Wednesday would be the dream that so many fans would love to share with Billy. It should be nailed on that Sharp will be given the opportunity - at some time - to fulfill his dream and be inspired by the emotions of the fervent fans.

 

[Ricky]

Donaldson's a starter for me, not an impact player.

I can see why you might play Sharp if they defend deep, but for me you might as well start Donaldson. He'd still contribute more overall than Billy in terms of running, hold up play and winning headers and I fancy that if both he and Clarke are up there, any chances Billy would usually get will fall to one of them.

 

[Pinchy]

Makes complete sense to start him on Friday & I hope Chris does.

Nothing to do with sentiment, all about having full confidence that he'll perform when it matters.

Ahead of Leon or Clayton? That makes considerably less than complete sense I’m afraid. It’s a bit Bladey to be honest.

 

[Pinchy]

I reckon Billy will start to lead and rev the Blades up and if hasn’t bagged one by 60 mins we will see Donaldson introduced

Really? You think they’ll need revving up? You don’t think Wilder will have done so in any event? You don’t think Clarke/Donaldson is by some distance our best pairing at the moment?

I fear you may be confusing professional football with a game in the park crossed with a soap opera.

 

[Pinchy]

I’m afraid that, despite welcome common sense from most, there is a great deal of Bladey bollocks around.

The idea that the team will be more ‘up’ for a Sheffield derby in front of a sell-out crowd, fervent atmosphere and TV cameras if Billy is leading them is too daft to laugh at.

It’s professional football. When the whistle goes not one of the eleven will give an ounce of effort less because Sharp isn’t playing. Of course he shouldn’t start. You pick your best team. He isn’t in that right now. Let Leon and Clayton get at ‘em.

 

[Kozzy_is_my_Dad]

He'll put the squad first, whatever that entails. He's a Blade, a leader, a club captain and an honest professional.

 

[Alfreton14Blade]

Ahead of Leon or Clayton? That makes considerably less than complete sense I’m afraid. It’s a bit Bladey to be honest.

Admittedly harsh on The Don, who's been excellent recently. But how long ago was it that that goal went in off Billy's arse (or wherever) against Coventry? He'd been on a shocking run of form and, lo!, he was off & running again as if his poor form had never happened.

I just don't buy the "Billy's finished" subtext. He played well at the weekend & he'll be raring to go now. And the Bladeyness is an added ingredient on top, but an important one to add in to the mix - potent fuel to the already burning fire.

 

[Tyler Durden]

I’m afraid that, despite welcome common sense from most, there is a great deal of Bladey bollocks around.

Ooh, speaking of which....

He wouldn't get a mention if he had no United connections. He's a complete nonentity.

Bladey Bladey Claptrap. It never changes. Sack a manager with a proven record of success after less than a season and bring in a former Blade on the back of 15 years of not much.

Only in S2.....

It might be for silly Bladey Blades. The rest of the football community would look at his CV and beg to differ.

Nonentity. Fucking Bladey Bladey Nonentity. Read and learn.

 

[Grappler]

I think Leon and Clayton to start, and then it all depends on the scoreline with 20 minutes to go. If we are ahead, and if Donaldson is tiring, then Billy comes on, and hopefully, plunges the final dagger into the heart of the pig fans with a goal. The one man they would hate to score, and the one man who would love nothing more than to score against them.

OK, it's all a bit, "When Saturday Comes", but if ever I wanted someone to deliver the final, crushing, goal to that lot, it's Billy.