EFL Championship: Sheffield United vs Oxford United! From mere survival to a mature system, is Sheffield United now a different team?

Our first discussion today is aboutthe Championship: Sheffield United vs Oxford United!

In late September, Sheffield United barely edged out Oxford United away—was it just a fortunate break?

Currently positioned only 17th in the Championship and with just one win in the last five matches, does Sheffield United still have the determination to get promoted? Is their fighting spirit strong?

This match, delayed by a month, who stands to gain more from this postponement?

Last time Sheffield United managed to beat Oxford United, luck definitely played a significant role.

In that game,Oxford United had more chances, taking over twice as many shots as Sheffield United!Yet they always fell just short of scoring, and by a twist of fate, Sheffield United secured the win. It can be said that Oxford United was actually more deserving of taking points.

However,just because it was tough then doesn’t mean it’s still tough now.

What was Sheffield United’s situation back then?They suffered eight consecutive defeats in all competitions, arguably the worst form in the Championship.

The coach had just changed; Wilder had only recently taken charge and didn’t have time to make big changes, so the team had to rely on the simplest defensive counter-attacks, unable to fully unleash their fighting strength.

But now, after five months of adjustment, Sheffield United has taken shape.

A fact: when they beat Leicester City on January 2nd, Sheffield United had collected 22 points from 10 games with 7 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses. During that period, this was the best record in the Championship.

This wasn’t luck; Sheffield United was gradually regaining the strength they should have. After all, they finished third in the Championship last season.

Although their recent performances have been poor.

However, if you look closely at those games, luck played a part in each, which is normal fluctuation in football, not a sign that Sheffield United’s ability has declined again.

Note: Sheffield United made significant reinforcements in the winter transfer window, clearly aiming to push for the playoffs.

Moreover, their recruitment strategy is quite interesting:They focused on bringing in former Leeds United players.

This winter window, they signed three at once, forming a Leeds United quintet with Bamford and Shackleton.

Why does Sheffield United favor Leeds United players?

Because they are genuinely strong.

For example, striker Bamford was unemployed before Sheffield United signed him on a free transfer in November.

In just eight starts, he scored six goals with high efficiency. So, when playing Ipswich, he even wore the captain’s armband and smartly completed an offside-breaking goal like a top student.

Leeds United earned 100 points last season, winning the Championship and gaining promotion, which speaks volumes.

If Sheffield United can’t beat them, joining forces isn’t shameful.

Interestingly, last season Leeds United dominated Oxford United with a 4-0 home victory, showing clear superiority in strength and tactics.

So, can these Leeds United players now with Sheffield United help them achieve a big win too?

In any case, Sheffield United is definitely stronger after the reinforcements compared to early January. This match’s one-month delay seems unfavorable for Oxford United.

Also, Sheffield United’s overall cohesion is very good now, with many tactical combinations well practiced.

For example, the classic way to score in English football—set pieces. Sheffield United is currently third in the Championship in this aspect.

Note: set pieces happen to be Oxford United’s weakness; they have conceded 15 goals from them, tied for the most in the Championship.

So here’s the question—How does Sheffield United perform against teams weak in set-piece defense?

Their win rate is quite high.

There are seven teams in the Championship that have conceded 13 or more goals from set pieces.

Sheffield United’s record against them is 6 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses, scoring 7 headed goals from set pieces in those 6 wins.

They’ve also earned penalties from set pieces, like when they caused a red card penalty package against Portsmouth.

Therefore, compared to September, Sheffield United’s fighting strength has clearly improved.

Back then, Sheffield United in crisis could still beat opponents; now stronger and playing at home, isn’t a bigger victory possible? There’s hope, right?

Will Sheffield United satisfy their fans? What do you all think? We’re eager to see them break through the barrier!

Alright, for today’s other matches, I’ll still share my written insights tonight. If anything is unclear, feel free to ask me. “Watch football and understand it,” see you then!

If you like it, please tap to follow and like!