Hi all!
My mate and I are two American Blades supporters who do a weekly podcast on Sheffield United in which we review games, preview the next fixture, and discuss all things Blades. Please check us out!
Here is our latest episode:
Really enjoyed the podcast guys. Really good to have your angle. I'll definitely listen again.
On the sub, you mentioned Osborn potentially coming on. You'll note that Chris is quite regimented in his team construction. 3 centre backs, one has to be left footed. 3 or even 2 central midfielders one will have to be left footed.
So it was not unexpected he didn't go with Osborn replacing the guy on the right with a left footer.
The most obvious sub to me was Norwood.
Basham goes to Right Central midfield where he is combative and works the right hand side well. Ampadu, who was brought in essentially as competition / cover for Basham and Egan, would have been comfortable at Right Centre Back. Then Norwood plays with the added motivation in his regular position against the team that originally developed him. All square pegs in square holes and doesn't compromise the system like introducing Jags did.
One point on Basham, you thought he was slow. Maybe he was adjusting but the thing with Basham is this - in pre-season, Basham is always top of the fitness tests. He is built like a cross-country runner. They guy would still be running now! When they do the pre-season stuff, running around the pitch, he's always miles ahead of the others. He's played there before for us before really making RCB his own.
Agree with Didzy playing 'in the hole' or number 10 role. The guy is like a fine wine, just getting better with age.
Note to Chad, when we are in Sheffield before the game, the fans always refer to us as 'United'. We are the original United stemming from Sheffield United Cricket Club in 1854, which spawned the Football Club in 1889. As such it always grates on the fans' nerves when we hear Man U referred to as United when they are playing us and ourselves getting called Sheffield. We were already United when they were known as Newton Heath FC. So, the may be the more world renowned, but we are the Original United. Just saying because listeners will definitely pick up on him.
I'm on point with your suggested line up. Didzy in behind, Brewster and either Mousset or Burke depending on who is most energetic. Important to remember also that we coasted through the leagues playing 3-4-1-2 with Duffy as the 1, a role Didzy can play. We played 3-5-2 a couple of times most notably away at Boro, bad away defeat and it left the forwards too isolated. Chris has understandably not wanted to get overrun in the top division and Lunny did make it easy by hitting such good form. But this isn't what got us here. It's not time for the feint hearted so it has to be front foot football from now on.
UTB
