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EFL Cup | Second Round
Aug 24, 2021 at 7.45pm UK
Bramall Lane
DL

Sheff Utd
2 - 1
Derby

Freeman (53'), Sharp (76')
Osborn (43'), Fleck (74'), Freeman (83'), Robinson (90+3')
FT(HT: 0-1)
Sibley (44')

Preview: Sheffield United vs. Derby County - prediction, team news, lineups

:Headline: Preview: Sheffield United vs. Derby County - prediction, team news, lineups:
Sports Mole previews Tuesday's EFL Cup clash between Sheffield United and Derby County, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Sports Mole

Sheffield United head into their EFL Cup second round tie with Derby County looking for a much-needed victory after their abysmal start to the new Championship campaign.

While Wayne Rooney may ring the changes for the fixture at Bramall Lane, the England legend will call on his Rams squad to cause a surprise on Tuesday night.


Match preview

When Billy Sharp netted a late equaliser for Sheffield United against Huddersfield Town on Saturday, the reaction from the players and supporters was one of pure relief.

However, while collecting just a point would have still been regarded as unsatisfactory, conceding a decisive goal just seconds later summed up the Blades' start under Slavisa Jokanovic.

Sheffield United were supposed to be among a number of other strong teams in the battle for promotion, but just one goal from four games has left the Serbian with an uphill task when it comes to making an impression in Yorkshire.

Although Jokanovic will be provided with plenty of time to put things right and oversee a change in personnel, alarm bells will inevitably be ringing as the likes of West Bromwich Albion and Fulham look a class above this division.

Like his opposite number, Rooney will not be prioritising progress in this competition as he places full focus on trying to keep Derby in the Championship.

Nevertheless, he will likely use this game to hand further experience to the club's prospects, who have become increasingly important with Derby only allowed to sign players on free transfers.

Rooney took that approach when making his team selection against Salford in the previous round, Derby impressively fighting back from an early two-goal deficit to win on penalties.

Ravel Morrison emerged as the star man on that occasion, but six players with minimal first-team experience played their part in getting their club over the line.

As far as Championship action is concerned, Rooney will be delighted that Derby currently sit in 14th position with one of the best defensive records in the division.

Sheffield United EFL Cup form:
  • W

Sheffield United form (all competitions):
  • L
  • W
  • D
  • L
  • L

Derby County EFL Cup form:
  • D

Derby County form (all competitions):
  • D
  • D
  • L
  • W
  • D

Team News

Jokanovic will likely make sweeping changes to his team, handing starts to the likes of Jack Robinson, Jayden Bogle, David McGoldrick and Sharp.

Kyron Gordon and Kacper Lopata could be given another opportunity in a three-man backline, while Luke Freeman should return to the midfield.

Derby will hope to have Festy Ebosele available again after the young right-back missed Saturday's fixture against Middlesbrough with a minor knee issue.

Richard Stearman and Jordan Brown are expected to feature in the centre of defence, handing rests to veteran pair Phil Jagielka and Curtis Davies.

Isaac Hutchinson, Louie Watson and Jack Stretton should also be handed chances further up the pitch.

Sheffield United possible starting lineup:
Verrips; Gordon, Lopata, Robinson; Bogle, Freeman, Norwood, Fleck, Osborn; McGoldrick, Sharp

Derby County possible starting lineup:
Allsopp; Ebosele, Stearman, Brown, Buchanan; Bird, Shinnie; Hutchinson, Watson, Sibley; Stretton


We say: Sheffield United 3-1 Derby County

At some point this season, things will surely click into gear for Sheffield United. While it remains to be seen how Jokanovic will approach this fixture, we are still backing the Blades to overcome what we expect to be a second-string Derby team.



Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting under 3.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Under 3.5:data




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Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal28204470244664
2Liverpool28197265263964
3Manchester CityMan City28196363283563
4Aston Villa29175760421856
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs28165759421753
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd28152113939047
7West Ham UnitedWest Ham2912894650-444
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2811985044642
9Wolverhampton WanderersWolves28125114244-241
10Newcastle UnitedNewcastle281241259481140
11Chelsea27116104745239
12Fulham29115134344-138
13Bournemouth2898114152-1135
14Crystal Palace2878133348-1529
15Brentford2975174154-1326
16Everton2887132939-1025
17Luton TownLuton2957174260-1822
18Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest2967163551-1621
19Burnley2945202963-3417
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd2835202474-5014
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