Sheffield United's season continues to be an impressive one, with the Blades sitting top of the pile in the Championship.

Manager Chris Wilder continues to see his team defy the odds against a host of big spenders in the second tier, and it is a credit to the former Oxford and Northampton manager that he has been able to turn the Blades from League One mid-table team into Championship promotion contenders.

One of the big factors in United's success has been the use of their attacking and flowing 3-5-2 formation, which has served them very well so far.

Wilder has instilled a belief in the system, and with his centre backs pushing on and overloading the attack, and it is something which is clearly working to good effect given their league position.

However, over a long season and with injuries, suspensions, and returning players, Wilder might well need to shuffle his pack so to speak in certain games, as well as adapting tactics.

With that in mind, FLW writer Lee Connor takes a look at TWO options Chris Wilder has at his disposal...

Duffy drops out, Coutts steps in to middle three

Mark Duffy is vital to how Sheffield United play, linking up the play between midfield and attack and seemingly being available whenever any of his fellow players have the ball.

However, there may well be times that Wilder needs more in the middle of the park, meaning Duffy's advanced role as a number 10 could well be sacrificed.

It's not like United don't have a good option to bring in, with Paul Coutts recently back from injury. The Scot can slot in nicely alongside John Fleck and Oli Norwood, giving the Blades a solid foundation in the middle of the park.

Three becomes four at the back

While Wilder loves his three at the back system, there may well be times the Blades need to simply opt with a standard four.

This is where the Blades to have options. The likes of Freeman, Baldock, and Stevens are natural full-backs as it is, while Jack O'Connell could play left back if Wilder opted for a more defensive approach.

Chris Basham, Richard Stearman, Jake Wright, John Egan, and the aforementioned O'Connell offer ample options at centre half, and while it might sacrifice some of what is best about United's attacking play, sometimes going to a flat back four and seeing games out is what's needed in the Championship to get those crucial points on the board.