Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom faces a selection dilemma over who to use up front against Nottingham Forest in the Championship play-offs.
United welcome Steve Cooper's side to Bramall Lane for the first-leg of their semi-final play-off clash on Saturday (May 14) before heading to the City Ground on Tuesday (May 17) for the return leg. But Blades boss Heckingbottom is sweating over who to select to lead his attacking line for the visit of Forest on Saturday.
Midfield options Morgan Gibbs-White and Iliman Ndiaye are both in excellent form, but leading goalscorer Billy Sharp is unlikely to feature.
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Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Heckingbottom gave an update on the potential availability of Sharp. “Bill’s another few days closer,” he said.
“We’d like him to be (available), if he’s able to play some part in the tie. If he’s not ready, he’s not ready. He is doing all he can and the staff are doing all they can to make sure there is that opportunity.”
That means the Blades will rely on Gibbs-White and Ndiaye, alongside Sander Berge, to contribute to goals over the two legs.
Saturday's hosts have suffered injuries throughout the squad all season, but Heckingbottom will be encouraged by Sam Baldock's return to fitness. The Blades have no new injury concerns ahead of Saturday’s clash, but Heckingbottom provided a further update on others returning from injury. “Morgan (Gibbs-White) has been back on the grass today,” he said.
“Conor (Hourihane) and Morgan didn’t train last week. We’re fine. George (Baldock) has had more training minutes in him, he’s looking good. Touch wood, everything at the minute is as good as it can be.”
This is how the Sheffield Star have predicted the Blades to line-up at Bramall Lane on Saturday...
Sheffield United starting XI: Wes Foderingham, Sam Baldock, Chris Basham, John Egan, Jack Robinson, Enda Stevens, John Fleck, Ollie Norwood, Sander Berge, Morgan Gibbs-White, Iliman Ndiaye.
