Subs: Darlow, James, Bamford, Solomon, Fernandez, Byram, Schmidt, Debayo, Crew.
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Sheffield United (5-4-1): Cooper; Shackleton, Souttar, Ahmedhodzic, Norrington-Davies, Burrows; Arblaster, Vinícius Souza, Hamer, O’Hare; Moore.
Subs: Adam Davies, Gilchrist, McCallum, Brewster, Rak-Sakyi, Robinson, Campbell, Brooks, Peck.
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Referee: Lewis Smith (Lancashire).
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It’s still early days, but this season’s Championship promotion race looks set to be an all-timer. The top nine teams are separated by five points, and have a combined 110 years of Premier League service between them. All nine could argue that the top flight is their natural habitat – but the task of climbing through the trapdoor (and avoiding an immediate fall back) is tougher than ever.
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Two of the second tier’s biggest beasts meet in a Yorkshire derby tonight, having largely swerved each other in their respective bounces between divisions. Leeds and Sheffield United haven’t played a top-flight game in front of a crowd since 1994 – but tonight’s meeting between the unbeaten Blades and Daniel Farke’s fizz-fuelled heavyweights will feel undeniably top-tier.
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While we can expect a fierce intensity under the lights at Elland Road, the occasion will get off to a sombre start. This is Sheffield United’s first game since the tragic death of their former player, George Baldock, at the age of 31. He will be commemorated by both clubs with a minute’s silence before kick-off, which is at 8pm (BST).
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main events
Manager Daniel Farke made no changes to the side that drew 2-2 with Sunderland before the international break. Chris Wilder changes things up, moving into a more defensive set-up with a back five of Jamie Shackleton, Reece Norrington-Davies, Gustavo Hamer and Harrison Burrows.
team news
Leeds United (4-2-3-1): Meslier. Bogle, Rodon, Struik, Firpo. Tanaka, Roswell. Gnont, Aaronson, Ramazani. Piroe.
Subs: Darlow, James, Bamford, Solomon, Fernandes, Byram, Schmidt, Debayo, Crewe.
Sheffield United (5-4-1): Cooper. Shackleton, Souter, Ahmeddzic, Norrington-Davies, Burrows. Arbruster, Vinicius Souza, Hammer, O'Hare. Moore.
Subs: Adam Davis, Gilchrist, McCullum, Brewster, Lak-Saki, Robinson, Campbell, Brooks, Peck.
Referee: Lewis Smith (Lancashire)
A tribute to George Baldock begins with a former Sheffield United teammate: Anel Ahmedjić. “He was my partner and when we played together he dominated on the right side. He was the first person who made me feel part of the group. He was a great guy. It's been a very sad and difficult week for me and everyone I know.”
chris bashamThe actor, who appears as a pundit on Sky, added: He was not only an outstanding soccer player, but also an outstanding human being. ”
Jobi McAnuff: “He really connected with the Sheffield United fans and had a very contagious personality, which he brought to the pitch. He gave his all, from the moment he put on the shirt.”
Whether you're a Sheffield United fan or not, if you'd like to pay tribute to George Baldock, please email me or tweet @niallmcveigh.
The teams are:
📋your #LUFC Starting XI… pic.twitter.com/hCIVtsRspo
— Leeds United (@LUFC) October 18, 2024
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Blades face Leeds 📋
Four changes, including RND's first league starter. 💪#leishu | #yellowdrive pic.twitter.com/3RBGkM4YOU
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) October 18, 2024
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preamble
It's still early days, but this season's championship promotion race is shaping up to be one of the best in history. There is a five-point difference between the top nine teams, and both teams have been in the Premier League for a combined 110 years. All nine may claim that the top flight spot is their natural habitat, but the challenge of getting through the trapdoor (and avoiding retreating quickly) is more difficult than ever. It is.
Two of the strongest horses in the second tier met tonight in the Yorkshire derby, swerving wildly from each other on each bounce between divisions. Leeds and Sheffield United haven't played a top-flight game in front of a crowd since 1994, but tonight's clash between the unbeaten Blades and Daniel Farke's giants will certainly feel top-flight.
The event is set to get off to a dismal start, with plenty of excitement expected under the lights at Elland Road. This will be Sheffield United's first game since the tragic death of former player George Baldock aged 31. Both clubs will remember him by observing a minute's silence before kick-off at 8pm BST.
