The fixtures for the 2018/19 season were announced this morning and Sheffield United were handed an exciting first game as they welcome relegated Swansea.

That will be a good early test for Chris Wilder's men and could be the best time to play the Swans as they look to integrate new players into a side playing in a lower division and of course under new management.

After that, an away trip to QPR and a home fixture against Norwich present the Blades with a chance to get some points on the board before a tough away game with Middlesbrough will be another marker for how good this side are.

A trip to Bolton, expected to be near the bottom come May, follows that before a new-look Villa come to Bramall Lane to round off the first set of games before the international break. It goes without saying that every game in the division is challenging but Blades fans will be hopeful of getting off to a positive start.

The Verdict

This isn't too bad a start for Wilder and he will expect his side to get off to a good start - as they did last season.

Playing a newly-promoted side early on is always preferable because they haven't always got to grips with the Championship and Sheffield United will be hoping to take advantage of that on August 4. It should also attract a big crowd as supporters approach the campaign with optimism.

After that, they will fancy their chances in the next five games, although a trip to the Riverside is tough.

They are capable of getting at least ten points from the first six, which would leave them in the top half.

Thoughts, Sheffield United fans? Let us know in the comments below.