Ronaldo Vieria could join on loan<\/a> before Saturday night’s clash against Blues. Whether he’d be involved seems unlikely.<\/p>\nThe game against Lee Bowyer’s Birmingham City should be seen as a decent opportunity to kick off the campaign with three points.<\/p>\n
After hosting the St. Andrew’s club, United travel to play-off finalists Swansea City and fellow promotion favourites West Bromwich Albion. Victory would be invaluable ahead of two tough fixtures.<\/p>\n
No disrespect to Birmingham though. Blues looked dead and buried before former player Lee Bowyer left Charlton Athletic to take over the reins from Aitor Karanka in mid-March.<\/p>\n
Bowyer’s side won five of their last ten matches to secure an 18th place finish. They’ll certainly be looking to extend that form into the new campaign and avoid a similar predicament to the one faced by the Englishman’s Spanish predecessor.<\/p>\n
In terms of how the Blades approach this first test, Jokanovic has a choice of either sticking to his preferred 4-3-3 system or operate with a back three that was both a success and failure during his predecessor’s top-flight tenure.<\/p>\n
Basing off of what was seen during the pre-season friendlies, the Serbian will use a 4-3-3 formation; who will start in it remains to be seen.<\/p>\n
There are some obvious choices. Aaron Ramsdale has remained professional whilst subject to interest from elsewhere and thus there’s no reason as to why the ‘keeper wouldn’t start in between the sticks with back-up Wes Foderingham well below in terms of quality.<\/p>\n
Captain John Egan is arguably United’s best defender and will most likely have Chris Basham alongside as has been the case for the past three seasons.<\/p>\n
There’s slight uncertainty in regard to full-backs with Jayden Bogle, Jack Robinson and Max Lowe decent options, but the experience of Enda Stevens and George Baldock will most likely overshadow the three Englishmen.<\/p>\n
However, the midfield could also see a variety of combinations with it likely that long-term servant John Fleck will be a regular once again. Sander Berge could be off by the time Saturday comes around, or choose to play until a move does materialise.<\/p>\n
Luke Freeman scored in pre-season whilst Oliver Norwood was a success under Jokanovic at Fulham. Ben Osborn is also an option as is Regan Slater.<\/p>\n
The way in which the frontline will look is also unknown. Rhian Brewster and Oli McBurnie have enjoyed football at this level with Swansea, whilst Billy Sharp and David McGoldrick are EFL veterans.<\/p>\n
Lys Mousset was arguably United’s best player in the two friendlies whilst Oliver Burke also found the back of the net.<\/p>\n
Sharp and McBurnie, however, are expected to miss the game through injury, meaning that the front-three could be Burke, McGoldrick and Mousset.<\/p>\n
Predicted lineup: Ramsdale, Baldock, Egan, Basham, Stevens, Berge, Fleck, Norwood, Burke, Mousset, McGoldrick<\/p>\n
It’s going to be a tough opener, but Jokanovic will be well aware of how vital a strong start is…an area in which the Serbian has struggled to succeed with previous clubs in the division. The Blades should have enough to kick off the season with three points.<\/p>\n
Follow us on Twitter\u00a0<\/i><\/b>@ProstInt\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n[columns]<\/p>\n
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[column size=”1\/2″][blog type=”timeline” posts=”10″ cats=”1139″ heading=”Championship” heading_type=”timeline” \/][\/column]<\/p>\n
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