Sheffield United look like a club rejuvenated under the leadership of Chris Wilder, and there is currently plenty of optimism going around Bramall Lane after the club’s excellent start to the season.

Last time out, United came from 1-0 down to demolish rivals Chesterfield 4-1 away at the Proact Stadium, strengthening their promotion credentials even further.

That brilliant victory now leaves them lying in third in the Sky Bet League One table after picking up 9 wins from the opening 16 league games.

The Blades currently have one game in hand on the two teams above them and are certainly hot on the heels of the two frontrunners.

Sheffield United come up against relegation threatened Shrewsbury Town this weekend and will be expecting another 3 comfortable points.

However, The Shrews themselves have had a lift in recent times after the arrival of former Rotherham United man Paul Hurst arrived as manager.

Wilder should field this starting eleven if they are to dispatch of The Shrews this weekend.....

 

GK - Simon Moore

Simon Moore

26-year-old Simon Moore was a new signing at Bramall Lane this summer having penned a three year deal with the club, after spending three years with Championship side Cardiff City.

Moore appears to have taken well to life in Sheffield and has put in some very good goalkeeping displays so far for The Blades, he is the club's undisputed number one and you can expect him to keep his place in-between the sticks for this clash with Shrewsbury Town.

LCB - Ethan Ebanks-Landell

§Ebanks-Landell
Wolves loanee Ethan Ebanks-Landell has been nothing short of a revelation at the club since joining and has already netted three times in just ten appearances, a quite remarkable record for a central defender. The 23-year-old is someone with huge potential and appears to have all the attributes required to go to the very top. He is a strong, powerful and commanding centre half and Sheffield United certainly look a much more solid outfit when he is playing. No doubt the club will be exploring every possible avenue to make his short stay at the club into a permanent one come the January transfer window.

 

CB - Jake Wright

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30-year-old Jake Wright is likely to keep his place for this huge game against Chesterfield after he has had a brilliant start to his life with the club.

Wright was a free transfer for the club in the summer and looks to have been an excellent piece of business by Chris Wilder.

Wright played a pivotal role in Oxford United gaining promotion from League Two last season and will be hoping for a second successive promotion this season with his new club

RCB - Chris Basham

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Versatile Chris Basham would complete the back three in my preferred Sheffield United XI for this upcoming game.

Basham is a very experienced and reliable player, he is very disciplined and is a natural leader.

Basham has previously represented the likes of Bolton Wanderers and Blackpool and will be desperate to see his current side, Sheffield United gain another three points this weekend.

 

LWB - Daniel Lafferty

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27-year-old Daniel Lafferty would retain his place at Left Wing Back for this upcoming game after performing very well in that same position over the past few weeks.

Lafferty is currently on loan at the club from Premier League outfit Burnley however, if he keeps up his current form then there will no doubt be interest from The Blades to make the move a permanent one in January.

CM - Stefan Scougall

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Stefan Scougall was actually on the bench for the last game away at Chesterfield however, he would return to the starting line up for this home clash with Shrewsbury Town in my preferred Sheffield United XI.

Scougall can often be regarded as a luxury player as he can be sometimes found wanting when it comes to the defensive side of his game.

At Bramall Lane, The Blades are expected to have the majority of possession meaning there is room for a player like Scougall in the midfield.

CM - John Fleck

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One of last week's goalscorers John Fleck will no doubt retain his place in the starting line up for this upcoming clash with Shrewsbury Town.

Fleck was a summer signing at Bramall Lane and despite struggling in his first few outings in the famous red & white of The Blades, he is someone who has really come into his own as of late and has put in some top drawer performances for the South Yorkshire club.

CM - Paul Coutts

Paul Coutts

Former Preston North End and Derby County man Paul Coutts would get a starting role in central midfield in my preferred Sheffield United XI for this upcoming game against Shrewsbury.

Coutts is excellent when in possession of the ball and has a great range of passing.

The 28-year-old is highly experienced and would add good balance to the midfield.

RWB - Kieron Freeman

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Wing back Kieron Freeman had an excellent game last time out against rivals Chesterfield which was topped off by him scoring United's first goal in the 4-1 victory.

Freeman has energy in abundance and suits the role of wing back down to the ground.

He is excellent going forward but can sometimes leave a little to be desired in his defensive play, however at just the age of 24 he certainly has time on his side and can work to improve the defensive side of his game.

ST - Billy Sharp

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Blades talisman Billy Sharp is certainly going through a purple patch at the moment and is no doubt one of Chris Wilder’s first names on the teamsheet.

His red hot goalscoring streak continued last weekend when he netted a brilliant header against rivals Chesterfield.

The Sheffield born striker has scored goals wherever he has been throughout his career and that record is continuing this season as the frontman has already netted 11 times

ST - Leon Clarke

Leon Clarkes

Matt Done has been somewhat miss firing this season and again missed his fair share of chances against Chesterfield last week.

One player who did take his chances in the game however was Leon Clarke, the former Sheffield Wednesday man came off the bench to add the 4th goal with a lovely strike.

Clarke has had his start to life with the club blighted by injury however, he will be keen to nail down a starting spot now and get back to what he does best, scoring goals.