Adver sport looks at Swindon Town's latest opponents, Sheffield United. 

THE CHALKBOARD

SINCE their relegation from the Championship in 2011, no less than four permanent managers have tried and failed to get Sheffield United out of League One.

This term, the Blades have turned to former defender Chris Wilder and after leading Northampton Town to the League Two title last season, the early signs are looking promising for the 49-year-old’s reign in charge of his boyhood club.

Swindon Advertiser:

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder

With United now operating in Wilder’s preferred 3-5-2 formation, their impressive form has them right in the mix at the top of the table – last weekend’s 1-0 loss to Walsall was the Blades’ first league defeat since August.

Wilder has also been credited with bringing an ‘old-school’ approach to United, encouraging his players to meet up for a drink or two to stimulate team spirit.

LIKELY LINE-UP

Swindon Advertiser:

MAN IN FORM

Swindon Advertiser:

Sheffield United's Billy Sharp

MANAGER Chris Wilder summed up Billy Sharp’s third spell with Sheffield United as ‘unfinished business’ and if that’s the case, then business is certainly booming at the moment.

The 30-year-old frontman is currently the joint-second top-scorer in League One – only Scunthorpe United star Josh Morris has netted more – with 12 goals from 23 appearances.

After returning to the club from Leeds United at the start of last season, Sharp’s 21 goals last term weren’t enough to propel the Blades into the play-off picture but nonetheless, the experienced striker looks to be in some of the best form of his career.

Having come through the youth ranks at United, boyhood Blades fan Sharp, who was handed the captaincy by boss Wilder, is certainly the main man at Bramall Lane.

Treatment Room

Swindon Advertiser:

Jake Wright is expected to be fit for Town's visit.

HARRY Chapman may well have played his last game for Sheffield United after it was confirmed yesterday that the midfielder would be out for three-to-four months with a serious ankle injury.

Despite no other players being near him on the training ground, Chapman’s ankle gave way underneath him and the 19-year-old ruptured a ligament, which will sideline him for a significant period.

The England U20 international’s loan from Premier League Middlesbrough expires at the end of the month and Blades boss Chris Wilder would have looked to extend the youngster’s deal until the end of the season but those plans have now been put on ice.

Meanwhile, ex-Oxford United skipper Jake Wright is expected to be fit for the visit of Town after a hamstring problem while James Wilson, may make the bench.

Wolves loanee Ethan Ebanks-Landell will be back after not being allowed to play in the FA Cup last weekend.

OPPO FORM GUIDE

Oppo form guide

Sun, Dec 4

FA Cup 2nd Rnd

3-2 Loss v Bolton (A)

Tue, Nov 29

Skybet League One

1-0 Loss v Walsall (H)

Sat, Nov 26

Skybet League One

1-1 Draw v Charlton (A)

Tue Nov 22

Skybet League One

1-0 Win v Bury 1-0

Sat Nov 19

Skybet League One

2-1 Win v Shrewsbury (H)

Goalscorers:

Billy Sharp: 12

Stefan Scougall: 5

Harry Chapman: 4

Discipline:

Chris Basham: 3Y 1R

Paul Coutts: 4Y

Mark Done: 4Y

The Stat

Swindon and Sheffield United have shared 30 goals in their last nine meetings – 10 of them were scored in that memorable play-off semi-final in May 2015.