Sheffield United vs Southampton: Where the game will be won and lost

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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 31: Che Adams of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Manchester United at St Mary’s Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

The Home Defence

Starting off where the Yorkshire club could be exploited; Southampton will need to take the game to the hosting team. Sheffield have had a habit so far of having players make individual errors that lead to conceding goals, as well as giving up fouls in dangerous areas, meaning that the Saints should look to pressure the oppositions defence through direct-play.

James Ward-Prowse should be instructed to play in low crosses playing as the right-midfielder in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s system. However Danny Ings and in particular Che Adams will need to finish off any chance they can get from this phase of play; the recent £15M signing from Birmingham is yet to bag his first Premier League goal, and against Sheffield is where Adams should finally start off his account.

Playing in low crosses will also avoid playing into one of Sheffield’s strengths which is their aerial-presence. Chris Wilder has always adopted a three centre-back system during his tenure at Bramall Lane; and therefore trying to go head-to-head with his team in this department would be unwise given that both of Southampton’s strikers are under 5ft10.

One habit of The Blades is their determination to protect a lead which they showcased against Crystal Palace earlier this season; and therefore falling behind could also prove tp be fatal for Hasenhuttl’s men.