Only one week after coming down to Sheffield to play Wednesday, we travel back down to play the other Sheffield. Ahead of the game we spoke to Sam from DEM Blades as he answered a few questions for us.
You've had a mixed bag so far, with a win, a draw and a loss in the league (and an EFL cup defeat). Are you happy with the start you've had?
I am happy enough. Two of the games were Watford and Middlesbrough, and the Blades played both of those away from home. The third game was at home to Millwall, who we often struggle to beat, and we were largely untroubled. At home, we've lost one in the league and once in the playoffs since October, and I'm confident we will pick up plenty of points at home. Fair to say, the away record needs to improve if we aspire for a better season than last year.
The early table has you sat in 9th. Would you take that at the end of the season?
Nah. It's been a while since I've been this confident as a Sheffield United fan (confident that we'll make the play-offs, that is). We achieved promotion to the Premier League and a ninth-placed finish in the top flight without a shred of expectation that we'd get there. But now there's a simmering anticipation that this squad is more than good enough for a top six, maybe top two, finish.
Who's been your best player so far?
Iliman Ndiaye for me. As an attacking midfielder stroke number ten stroke striker, he's starting to plug the gap left by our Player of the Year last season, Morgan Gibbs White, who bagged 12 goals and 10 assists in all comps. He's much stronger than last year; you'll notice him if he plays. (Likewise, you'll notice Sander Berge, who hasn't been sparkling yet, but he has scored 2 in 3 and carries the ball like a hovercraft.)
Does the side have any weaknesses Sunderland could exploit?
Yes. Hard to put my finger on that 'what'. But every goal we've conceded (3) this season has been down to individual error - all of them.
If you could sign any SAFC player, who would it be and why?
I'd probably go with Dan Neil. Our midfield is ageing and whilst we've got some loan signings this season, we can't rely on loans forever. A young quality player with a bit of energy, who can pass, who looks composed on the ball....yes, please.
Are you confident of keeping Norway international Sander Berge at the club, amid some transfer speculation from several European teams?
As mentioned above. Berge carries the ball with ridiculous ease for a guy who's as tall as a camel. It's not all tricks and flicks. It's just great control. It helps that he can pass, shoot and cross too. With all of that, it's easy to see why he has suitors, and it's hard to imagine he'll stay if we can recoup the fee we paid (circa £23m). But those suitors haven't ramped things up yet, so I'm more confident with each passing day.
Have you made any marquee signings this summer, or let any big names go?
We've made a few loan signings, Tommy Doyle and James McAtee, both from Man City. And Reda Khadra from Brighton. But the 'big signing' has been Anel Ahmedhodžić. He's a highly thought-of Bosnian international who has settled in well in his first couple of games. Played at the right of our back three centre backs, and he's got great feet, can pick a pass and gets forward.
Which Sheff Utd player could cause us some damage?
See thoughts on Ndiaye and Berge. Although, it's inevitable that if I fail to mention a certain, older, home-grown striker, then he'll definitely score. So I won't name him in the hope that he does.
Whats your score prediction? Who will get the goals at Bramall Lane?
2-0 (sorry), Berge, Brewster on the score sheets.
It's very early in the season but where do you reckon both sides will finish in the Championship?
I had a bet on Sunderland to finish in the top half before the season started. I'll stick with that. I think you'll have an excellent first third of the season, but it's hard to sustain that for an entire season after promotion from League One. I think you'll tail off a wee bit towards the end. Maybe 10th? As for the Blades. Why not be optimistic? We'll win the blasted thing (definitely more like 5th place).
