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[Image] Predicted 3-4-1-2 Sheffield United XI to face Reading – can the Blades keep the pressure up top?

Predicted Sheffield United line-up to face Reading in the Championship

Sheffield United will welcome Reading to the Bramall Lane on Saturday as Chris Wilder aims for three more points in the Championship.

The Blades moved to within two points of the Championship’s automatic promotion places with a victory over 10-man Middlesbrough on Wednesday. They’ll look to make it back-to-back league wins at the weekend.

Reading, on the other hand, are just a point above the relegation zone and come into this game on the back of a 2-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers.

Team News

Chris Basham will miss the Reading game after picking up his tenth booking of the season.

Jack O’Connell is a doubt with a hamstring problem but Sheffield United’s problems were further compounded when George Baldock was withdrawn at half-time against Middlesbrough after complaining of a tight calf.

Probable Sheffield United XI

Formation: 3-4-1-2

Manager: Chris Wilder

Dean Henderson (GK)

A clean sheet against Middlesbrough would have given Henderson a lot of confidence after the Aston Villa debacle. He should keep his place in goal against Reading.

Martin Cranie (RCB)

Cranie started in place of the suspended Basham against Middlesbrough and did well. He is likely to retain his place in the team this weekend.

John Egan (CB)

United’s defensive lynchpin, Egan is an undoubted starter against Reading.

Enda Stevens (LCB)

Stevens did well in central defence against Middlesbrough in O’Connell’s absence. He is likely to be handed a similar role at the weekend.

Enda Stevens

Richard Stearman (RWB)

Scored the winner against Middlesbrough after coming on as a half-time substitute. With Baldock unlikely to feature due to a tight calf, Stearman could be handed a start.

Kieran Dowell (LWB)

Looked at ease in the makeshift left wing-back role on Wednesday. Wilder is likely to go with Dowell again.

Oliver Norwood (CM)

Norwood is one of the first names on the team sheet for his calmness on the ball and the stability he brings to the team.

John Lundstram (CM)

Partnering Norwood could be Lundstram, who will look to make a mark against Reading and impress his manager.

Mark Duffy (CAM)

Duffy couldn’t make much of an impact in the last game and was withdrawn after 45 minutes. However, he should be handed a start against Reading on Saturday.

Billy Sharp (LS)

Sharp is United’s leading goalscorer this season and will look to get on the scoresheet at the weekend.

Read more: Sheffield United splashing £9m on this Aston Villa star would be nothing but a waste and Wilder must avoid it

David McGoldrick (RS)

McGoldrick should partner Sharp up front and look to cause all kinds of problems to the Reading backline.

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