Sheffield United’s trip to West Brom already boasts an aura of signifcance as two Premier League relegated sides go toe-to-toe

Promotion hopefuls Sheffield United haven’t gotten off to the lightning start in the Championship that they would’ve liked under new boss Slavisa Jokanovic having picked up just a point in their first two league outings without scoring.

The Blades got their points tally off the mark with a goalless draw at Swansea City on Saturday having lost their league opener at home to Birmingham City 1-0 as well as overseeing League Two outfit Carlisle United by the same scoreline in the first round of the Carabao Cup.

One point and no goals isn’t an ideal start, but the old cliche that the season is a marathon not a sprint is particularly relevant.

However, in just their third league game of the campaign, Jokanovic will see his side take on fellow promotion favourites West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday evening.

The Baggies were relegated from the Premier League alongside the Blades in May and are also under new management with Valerien Ismael leaving his post at Barnsley for the vacancy at The Hawthorns this summer.

West Brom have gotten their campaign off to a decent start with four points from six. A 2-2 draw against Bournemouth was followed last weekend by a 3-2 home win against Luton Town.

It is expected that the two sides will be in the mix in the race for promotion for the longevity of the season, hence why Wednesday’s fixture already carries a great weight of significance.

The Blades haven’t been scoring but have looked compact at the back and this week added to their defensive cavalry with Liverpool centre-back Ben Davies joining on loan for the rest of the season.

Davies was brought to Anfield last winter with the then-reigning Premier League champions suffering from a defensive calamity with numerous defenders suffering long-term injuries.

However, the former Preston North End defender is yet to make a competitive appearance for his parent club and will offer Jokanovic plenty of experience at the back, boasting 129 Championship appearances whilst in Lancashire.

He could also be available to make his debut on Wednesday evening with the Englishman signed in time to be registered for matchweek three.

The South Yorkshire side will be keen to get off the mark in terms of goals though, with the Blades boasting some of the division’s best-attacking talents amongst their ranks with Rhian Brewster, Oli McBurnie, David McGoldrick and Billy Sharp previously prolific at this level.

It has been well documented on social media that historically Slavisa Jokanovic sides have been slow starters in the second tier, and have later picked up marvellous form in the second half of the season which has then led to promotion pushes. That could well and truly be the case at Bramall Lane this term.

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