Sheffield United vs Barnsley. Sky Bet Championship.
Bramall LaneAttendance25,482.
Friday 18 August 2017 15:16, UK
Sheffield United defender Richard Stearman is an injury doubt for the home game against derby rivals Barnsley.
Stearman was forced out of the midweek defeat at Cardiff due to a hamstring injury and was replaced by Jake Wright, who could make his first league start of the season.
Striker Ched Evans is pushing for his first full 90 minutes since returning to Bramall Lane and midfielder David Brooks is also in contention for his full league debut. Summer signing George Baldock (foot) and striker James Hanson (thigh) are expected to miss out again.
Barnsley are not expecting to receive international clearance in time to include latest signing Dimitri Cavare in their squad. The Reds paid an undisclosed fee for former Rennes full-back Cavare, who agreed a two-year deal on Thursday.
But defender Andy Yiadom could be back in contention. His expected move to Huddersfield broke down earlier this week and he has returned to Oakwell. Teenage midfielder Jared Bird stepped off the bench to make his debut for the club in the midweek home win against Nottingham Forest, while head coach Paul Heckingbottom has no new injury worries.
Sheffield United have lost just two of their last 14 league matches against south Yorkshire rivals Barnsley (W5 D7).
The Tykes are unbeaten in their last four trips to Bramall Lane, although three have ended level (W1).
Ryan Hedges has had a hand in a goal in each of Barnsley's three league games this season, scoring two and assisting one.
Sheffield United have won seven consecutive league games at Bramall Lane, including a 1-0 win over Brentford on opening day - they last secured eight wins in a row back in February 2012.
Barnsley have lost seven of their last eight away league games, with their solitary victory arriving at Ewood Park in April.
