Premier League club Sheffield United make their way south on Saturday to play League One’s Bristol Rovers at Memorial Stadium. Sheffield United are rock bottom of the Premier League and on their way back to the Championship.
Manager Chris Wilder takes his team into the FA Cup seeking to focus on something different than the terrible Premier League campaign the team are mired in. A win on Saturday could inspire the Blades in the Premier League and potentially help them in the fight for survival.
Bristol Rovers are 18th in League One heading into the FA Cup third round. Paul Tisdale’s team have won four of their last five matches in League One and should have confidence going into the game on Saturday against the Premier League’s worst team.
Tisdale’s team started the FA Cup in the first round with a win against Walsall, 2-1. They followed up that fixture with a 6-0 demolition of Darlington. Bristol Rovers could pull off a giant killing against a woeful Sheffield United based on their current form.
Wilder has a number of players injured ahead of the match. Sander Berge is ruled out with a thigh injury. Phil Jagielka and Billy Sharp are both on the injury list and it is suspected that they tested positive for COVID-19.
Jack Robinson and Jack O’Connell are both ruled out as well through injury. Wilder is waiting on the fitness check of Oliver McBurnie as he recovers from a knock. Meanwhile, John Lundstrum is ruled out with a red card.
Brandon Hanlan leads Bristol Rovers in goals with six. The forward will fancy getting a goal against a Sheffield United defence that has been humiliated by Premier League attacks.
Sheffield United are seeking their first win of the season in all competitions. A win could inspire them on to safety, but getting that first win won’t be easy.
These teams played as recently as the 2016-17 League One season. Sheffield United were playing in the third tier at that time. That season saw the Blade secure four points from six possible against Bristol Rovers. Their match at Bramall Lane ended 1-0 while the match at Memorial Stadium was nil-nil.
Can Sheffield United get their first win of the campaign away in the FA Cup third round? The Blades should play their best football of the season against Bristol Rovers and get a win.
The victory could finally spark the Blades on to winning in the league.