Sheffield United and West Bromwich Albion meet this weekend in one of the games of the season, between two teams fighting it out for automatic promotion to the Premier League.

The Baggies will be welcoming back their own talisman in Dwight Gayle after serving his two-game ban for diving.

But their one star returning is usurped by Chris Wilder, who is set to welcome back a triumvirate of talent by way of Jack O’Connell, Chris Basham and George Baldock for the clash this weekend.

West Brom fans must be cursing their luck at the return of three key Blades men for the top-of-the-table clash Saturday evening.

The Baggies have had no problem in scoring in recent weeks, notching ten in their last five league matches, averaging two per game – but United’s defence is where their success has been built.

Only Middlesbrough have conceded fewer goals in this season (24) than Wilder’s men (34) – that is some achievement in such an unpredictable division.

But with the impending return of three players who are intrinsically linked with the style of play the Blades play, this is a blow to the Baggies’ fans hopes of thinking their firepower up top will be able to walk through this weekend.

Prior to the news of their return and Gayle coming back to the team, their fans would have been forgiven for thinking they have the advantage – but it is now a level playing field.

West Brom have the joint-best attack in the Championship, and the Blades have the second-best defence.

A battle for the ages is surely going to rage this weekend at the Hawthorns – and the Baggies’ fans need to be pondering if they will have what it takes to inflict damage on a well-oiled machine that is Sheffield United.

They need to be optimistic but need to be realistic that it will not be a walk in the park.

It will be anything but and will serve as the perfect warm-up to Leeds the following weekend.