This Week's Opposition: Sheffield United

A more in-depth look into Pompey's next Championship opponent with Express FM's Kirsty Roxanne.

After a disappointing 1-0 defeat away from home at Deepdale against Preston North End, the Blues return back home to PO4 to take on Sheffield United.

MANAGER

Back at the helm for his 3rd stint is Chris Wilder.

He had an extensive playing career as a right-back which also saw 2 spells with The Blades before retiring and becoming a manager.

Throughout his managerial career, Wilder won promotion from the Conference Premier with Oxford via the Play-Offs in 2010, from League Two as champions with Northampton Town in 2016, from League One with Sheffield United as champions in 2017 and from the Championship 2 years later.

After failing to secure promotion back to the top flight, Wilder’s contract was terminated last June. He returned to Bramall Lane in September following the dismissal of Ruben Selles, signing a new contract until the end of the 2026/27 season.

ONE TO WATCH

Number 8, Gustavo Hamer is one to look out for.

Hamer began his career in the Netherlands and earned caps for both the Under-18s and Under-20s before making the move to England to sign for Coventry City.

He went on to spend 3 seasons with the Sky Blues before signing a 4-year-deal in August 2023 with newly promoted Premier League side Sheffield United.

So far this campaign, Hamer has recorded 2 goals and 8 assists.

TOP SCORER

Callum O’Hare is the leading scorer for The Blades.

A product of the Aston Villa academy, O’Hare had loan spells with Carlisle United and Coventry, being part of the side that secured promotion to the Championship.

In July 2024, the attacking midfielder joined United on a 4-year-deal. In his first season, O’Hare made 44 regular league appearances, scoring 2 goals and then featuring in the 3 Play-Off matches, adding a further 2 goals to his tally.

In 24 matches this term, he has already found the back of the net 8 times, accompanied with 5 assists.

CURRENT FORM

The Blades had a poor start to the season under previous manager Selles, spending 15 out of the first 16 matches in the relegation zone.

Since then, the side have pushed themselves back up the table and now occupy 17th with 39 points.

Can the Blues pick up their New Year form again and get a result at Fratton Park?

Find out by tuning in to Pompey Live this Saturday (February 14th) afternoon from 2pm with Jake Smith, Kirsty Roxanne and James Wilson.

Kick-off: 3pm!