Southampton travel to Bramall Lane for the first time in a league fixture since February 2009, which saw Saints beaten 2-1 by Sheffield United.
Saints have since embarked on a trip to the South Yorkshire outfit just once, which brought a 1-0 defeat to the Blades – who competed in League One at the time – in the League Cup quarter-final in December 2014.
Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side go into the game just one point and three places below the hosts. Both teams earned credible draws against top-six sides before the international break: Saints fought back from a goal down and then held on to a 1-1 draw with Manchester United while Sheffield United fought back from 2-0 down to earn a point at Stamford Bridge in a 2-2 draw with Chelsea.
Southampton are without Kevin Danso and Nathan Redmond for the trip to Bramall Lane, with the former facing a suspension and the latter still out injured for the time being. However, Ryan Bertrand and Michael Obafemi could return to first-team action this weekend, while Moussa Djenepo is unlikely to be risked despite being back in first-team training.
As Saints look to avoid a third consecutive defeat at the hands of Sheffield United, we take a look at what a Combined XI between the two sides would look like.
The line-up I’ve selected will operate in a 5-2-1-2 formation, which both Saints and the Blades have been known to deploy in recent times…
Angus Gunn
This was arguably the hardest selection of the XI, with both Gunn and Dean Henderson promising and talented young English goalkeepers who are fighting for a first-team call up to the national side. Premier League experience just gives Gunn the edge on this one.
Cedric Soares
Cedric returned to first-team action before the international break, playing against Fulham and Manchester United respectively. He has shown glimpses of the quality that he possesses in those two games, and on his day, is a very useful wing/full-back at both ends of the pitch.
Jan Bednarek
As I’ve stated many times this season alone, I believe that Bednarek is Saints’ best defensive asset and has been exceptional since Ralph Hasenhuttl’s arrival on the south coast. Bednarek would be a valuable player for any side in the Premier League right now.
Chris Basham
Chris Basham has adapted to Premier League quickly since returning eight years after his last spell in the top flight with Blackpool. Basham is an underrated player and makes the cut in my back three.
Jannik Vestergaard
Jannik Vestergaard turned in his best performance in a Southampton shirt against Manchester United last time out. If he continues with strong displays such as that, he’ll easily repay the hefty fee Saints paid for the Denmark international.
Ryan Bertrand
Bertrand looks set to feature at the weekend after a being out of the Southampton side in recent times. His experience and quality give him the starting position in this side just ahead of Enda Stevens.
John Lundstram
Lundstram has received plenty of plaudits this season already, and it’s easy to see why. He helps the Blades to keep ticking while in possession and also offers defensive steel. He’s a well-rounded player.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg
The Saints skipper is another one who I cannot praise highly enough. He hasn’t been on top form yet this season but has displayed his quality on countless occasions.
Sofiane Boufal
Boufal made his first league start for Southampton since the 17/18 season against Manchester United. His quick feet, close control, trickery and pace would be an absolute asset for any side, and the free role in this formation could see the best of the Moroccan.
Billy Sharp
This one, I simply couldn’t resist. Sharp was never given his chance in the Premier League by Saints and is now back in the big time with the Blades. We all know of what a natural finisher Sharp is, and no matter the league, he is always a dangerous forward.
Che Adams
Adams is still adjusting to life with Saints and is yet to score his first competitive goal. Despite this, his qualities both on and off the ball are there to be seen, and he just needs the right chance to fall his way to get the ball rolling.