With the 2019/20 fixtures released on Thursday this week, we're building up to the big day by profiling the new additions to the Premier League; next up, Sheffield United!
United are making their long-awaited Premier League return after a 12-year absence.
It has been a remarkable few seasons for the Bramall Lane outfit, who finished tenth in the division on their return to England's second tier during 2017/18, after six seasons in League One.
After securing their Championship status for a further year, the club somewhat defied odds last season, surpassing their county rivals, to restore Premier League football to the steel city.
Their return was powered by top scorer Billy Sharp, who struck 24 goals alongside strike partner David McGoldrick, who found the net 15 times, as they finished five points shy of Norwich City, who were crowned champions.
THE MANAGER
Sheffield-born Blades fan Chris Wilder took the reigns at his hometown club in the summer of 2016, off the back of guiding Northampton Town to the League Two title.
Wilder, 51, took over with the club having spent the previous five seasons in the third tier and finished 11th in League One in 2015/16.
In his first term, he led them to the League One title, amassing 100 points, before a year to consolidate was followed by a second-placed Championship finish - sealing top-flight football for the first time since 2007.
Wilder has now won promotion from the Conference, League Two, League One and the Championship.
CONNECTIONS
- The catalyst for Saints’ sustained push towards completing their second consecutive promotion in 2012, Blades legend Billy Sharp will surely be afforded the warmest of welcomes on his return to St Mary’s. Prolific in the Championship, Sharp netted 10 times in just 18 games to help Saints over the line.
- David McGoldrick made 74 appearances for Saints either side of loan spells with Notts County, Bournemouth and Port Vale. The striker scored 12 league goals for Saints in the Championship in 2008/09 season before being sold to Nottingham Forest. The Irish international was named United’s player of the season.
HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD
Saints: 16
Draws: 13
Sheff Utd: 25
PREVIOUS THREE MEETINGS
December 2014: Sheffield United 1-0 Southampton (League Cup)
February 2009: Southampton 1-2 Southampton (Championship)
October 2008: Sheffield United 0-0 Southampton (Championship)
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