Rival Lines
A second Sheffield United blogger interview. This time I spoke to Sam at Dem Blades who managed to squeeze in some answers for me before the game. Let's see if he is as confident as Blades Podcast on Sheffield United's match against Bournemouth.
Many thanks to Sam at Dem Blades for telling us more about Sheffield United.
Chimes to Camera - AFCB 2 v 1 Aston Villa
Sheffield United v AFCB
Blogger Interview: Dem Blades
Twitter: @Dem_Blades
CC: Why do you think Chris Wilder has got it so right this season?
DB: Square pegs in square holes! There's a simplicity to our success, a squad who works hard for each other at all times and individual players who know their part in a team. When they work in concert, it allows for moments of individual brilliance and creates space for our most potent threats to attack.
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CC: Are you at all surprised by the gap Sheffield United has made over the other promoted sides or did you expect Norwich and Villa to struggle and the Blades to do well?
DB: I am surprised at the gap I suppose, but not necessarily the fact that we are above those teams. We were always a superior defensive outfit to Norwich and Villa. So for me, it was unsurprising that they've struggled at the back seeing as their defensive recruitment was poor to none existent.
CC: Are Sheffield United fans thinking it would be a disappointment now if they didn't get into Europe at the end of the season?
DB: I don't think we'd be disappointed. We'd be getting way beyond our station if we thought we 'deserved it'. But I think we will make it to Europe based on our form throughout the whole season. There gets to a point when you look at our points per game (1.44), and then you look at our run-in (not too scary) and barring a huge drop-off, we'll be close to those European spots. It's worth remembering too, that the Blades under Wilder usually end the season strongly (in our promotion to the Championship we won our last 7 games to get 100 points).
CC: Who has been the best buy that Sheffield United have bought for their Premier League campaign?
DB: Difficult. Most of the players we have bought have been kept out by the players who got us promoted last year. But for goal and points, it would have to be your former player Lys Mousset. We can't always get him fit, but Wilder can get a wonderful tune out of him! I've not seen a defender who looks comfortable against him.
CC: How do you feel the home form is holding up having recently played Aston Villa, Watford, West Ham and Man City at Bramall Lane?
DB: It's a tough one because we have suited being an away side. But I think as the season draws on, our form will improve. With the pressure of staying in the division all but lifted, I think we'll come out and attack teams with a touch more freedom.
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CC: What game has been your favourite win and why?
DB: Favourite win....ooh. Let's say Burnley at home. We just blew them away in what we thought might be a tough game. Likewise Aston Villa at home too.
CC: Do you think the goal that Dean Henderson let in against Liverpool earlier this season actually helped him to raise his game in subsequent matches?
DB: I'm not sure on that one. Henderson is a fine keeper. Freakish things happen to good keepers and that was one of them - maybe it helped him to keep his high standards but I'm not sure about raising them.
CC: Are you looking forward to see how Aaron Ramsdale does in Bournemouth's goal as a former Sheffield United lad?
DB: Yes, it was a shame when Ramsdale left. A great keeper and one who is growing into one of the best in England (not quite as good as Deano though).
CC: Who do you prefer to play up front - McGoldrick, Mousset, Sharp or McBurnie - do they all offer something different?
DB: David McGoldrick is like watching Dimitar Berbatov (who can't score). I love him. He comes deeps. He has more time on the ball than anyone on the pitch in pretty much every game he plays (a bit like your boy David Brooks). He's just magic to watch. Over the course of the season, McGoldrick and Mousset. I love them all though.
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CC: Which players do you think might leave Sheffield United in the summer because they are in demand?
DB: Jack O'Connell is the only one I think we might seriously struggle to hold onto. A strong, ball-playing centre half who is unbelievably reliable and has barely missed a game in three years. Other than that, I think we're fine.
CC: How do you expect to line up against Bournemouth?
DB: Same team as last time out (McBurnie and Sharp up top, new signing Sander Berge in midfield).
CC: What is your score prediction?
DB: 3-0 Blades win.
CC: I was beginning to like Sam until I saw his score prediction. I am not sure if Sheffield United have scored three at home that often so he's definitely got it in for the Cherries. I, on the other hand, think it will be a much tighter game with possibly a 1-2 away win. Bournemouth have a real team spirit to build on their recent wins and if they can get points up in the steel city then I think it will ease the pressure in their next game. So I'm backing the Cherries for a win.
Many thanks to Sam at Dem Blades for telling us more about Sheffield United.
Chimes to Camera - AFCB 2 v 1 Aston Villa
Possible AFCB line up
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| AFCB Subs: Boruc, Stacey, S Cook, L Cook, Stanislas, Surridge, Solanke |
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