Football News: EFL Cup Preview – Sheffield United vs Wrexham
Sheffield United are set to host Wrexham in the first round of the EFL Cup at Bramall Lane on Tuesday. The Blades began their Championship campaign with a 2-0 win against Preston North End, while the visitors, newly promoted to League One, secured a 3-2 victory over Wycombe Wanderers in their opening fixture.
The home side took the lead against Preston with a deflected strike from Ollie Arblaster in the 12th minute, and Gustavo Hamer doubled their advantage in the 55th minute with a sublime lob over the goalkeeper. Manager Chris Wilder will be pleased that his team have already overcome their two-point deduction from the previous season.
However, last season saw Sheffield United eliminated from the EFL Cup in the first round, losing on penalties to Lincoln City. The Blades have failed to progress from their last three ties in the competition, having been knocked out on penalties four times in their six most recent eliminations.
Wrexham, under the ownership of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, secured back-to-back promotions and are embarking on their first League One campaign since 2004-05. In their opening game, the Red Dragons defeated Wycombe 3-2, with goals from Max Cleworth, Jack Marriott and Steven Fletcher.
“Manager Phil Parkinson will be concerned by the 19 shots his team conceded, 15 of which were inside their penalty area.”
Wrexham have only participated in nine EFL Cup matches, with seven of those games taking place in 2007 or earlier. Last season, they reached the second round before losing on penalties against Bradford City.
The last time these two sides met in the EFL Cup was in September 2004, with Sheffield United emerging victorious 3-2.
For the home side, Jamie Shackleton is out until September due to a knee injury, and Sam McCallum is still recovering from a hamstring issue. However, Tyrese Campbell could make his first appearance for Sheffield United after signing for the club on Sunday.
As for the visitors, Paul Mullin could return to action soon, but is unlikely to feature in this match. Wrexham are expected to field a similar XI to the one that faced Wycombe, with the likes of Ollie Palmer and Andy Cannon likely to start.
Prediction: Sheffield United 2-1 Wrexham
While Wrexham have impressed with their recent promotions, Sheffield United’s Championship experience and the home advantage may prove too much for the visitors. However, the Red Dragons will certainly make the Blades work for the victory.
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