This article is part of Football League World’s ‘Terrace Talk’ series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Sheffield United welcome Sunderland to Bramall Lane on Friday evening in a huge clash at the top of the Championship table.
Victory for either side in S2 will return them to the top of the EFL ahead of the rest of the weekend’s games, and Chris Wilder will be hoping that his club can add to their five wins in six matches and re-pass Leeds United, who are presently leading the way.
The Black Cats, on the other hand, will be hoping to break a string of draws that has plagued their November. Regis Le Bris’ side has been held in all of their last five games, with their most recent victory coming against Oxford United on October 26th, 2-0.
It is set to be a tough game, with Sheffield United coming in as modest favourites given Sunderland’s recent form, with the Blades knowing that a win would put them five points ahead of their opponents.
Sheffield United warned to keep an eye on Jobe Bellingham
Both teams are loaded with potential, and while Le Bris has assembled his team primarily from young players with promising futures, he has been able to have them playing superb attacking football, putting them in contention for a return to the Premier League for the first time since 2017.
While his summer signings have blended in seamlessly, Football League World’s Sheffield United Fan Pundit, Jimmy from Blades Ramble, has advised his team to be mindful of a player who was already establishing himself as one of the key players prior to his arrival.
When asked by FLW which Sunderland player he fears the most, Jimmy replied: “There are a couple of scary players in this Sunderland team. I’m glad Dennis Cirkin is gone. I think he’s an excellent left back.
“Apparently, he has a broken wrist, so I’m glad he won’t be playing.” I believe that has caused some disruption along their backline, which we will hopefully take advantage of.”
He went on to say, “I like Patrick Roberts. I believe he can be erratic, but he’s a relentless, inconsistent threat down the right side, cutting it off to his left. I believe he is a tricky player.
“But Jobe Bellingham is the one I should keep an eye out for. I believe he has a well-known brother, but he is unquestionably the best player right now. I know he’s just returned from a ban, but he started the season strong, and he’s clearly the man Vini Souza will have to deal with.”
Vini Souza will have to be at his best to stop Bellingham
Bellingham returned from his three-match punishment for a red card against QPR on Tuesday, as Sunderland drew 0-0 with West Bromwich Albion.
Although the Black Cats were unable to break through the strong Baggies defence, the 19-year-old was outstanding and posed a threat throughout the match. He produced three chances, was always involved in the game, and was a bright spot in his team’s offense.
Jobe Bellingham Stats vs West Bromwich Albion (FotMob).
Minutes Played
90
FotMob Rating
7.7
Goals (Assists).
0 (0)
Shots (on target)
2 (0)
xG
0.05
Chances Created
3
Pass Accuracy
79%
Touches (In Opposition Box)
69 (3)
Duels Won
7
Souza will face a difficult challenge on Friday when Bellingham and his teammates visit Bramall Lane, and the Brazilian will need to be at his best to prevent the prodigy from commanding the contest, as he has done in the past.
Sheffield United will be more susceptible on the back foot without Anel Ahmedhodzic, and Souza will need to be particularly disciplined to prevent Sunderland’s gifted youth from slipping through the lines and running at the Blades’ back four.
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