After a pretty momentous week off the field at the Abbey, United travel to an in-form Sheffield Wednesday looking for a first win in four games.
It’s no exaggeration that Hillsborough was one of the first fixtures U’s fans looked for back when they were announced in the summer. A traditional football ground, steeped in history, and one of the countries oldest and most revered teams. And here we are, playing a league game there for the first time since 1983.
Our league record against the Owls isn’t that great, one win back in 1978 and a draw in October last year bookending a further 8 defeats, but in the cup we’re somewhat of a bogey team for Wednesday, comprehensively beating them in the FA Cup in 1991, a famous win at Hillsborough in the Worthington Cup in 1998, and another League Cup win back in 2016.
Takeaways from Bonner’s Presser
- Amazing news that the club has now bought the ground back from Grosvenor
- This is one of the games you get promoted for!
- First time in a long time that we should have a matchday squad of more than 18 players, Brophy and O’Neil back
- Tomorrow will be a hard game due to the quality of their players, but we’ve got experience this season of coming out on top in big games
Expected U’s Line-Up
A few decisions that Bonz needs to make, but we’re not expecting wholesale changes from the side that played out a forgettable draw with Shrewsbury. Expect to see Tracey and Lankester off the bench at some point, and we think Sherring might get the nod over Okedina in defence.
Mitov, Williams, Jones, Sherring, Dunk, May, Digby, Brophy, Smith, Hoolahan, Ironside
Who’s Their Player To Watch?
Probably Barry Bannan, him of the alleged ten grand a week pay packet. But there’s quality all over the pitch, from Bailey Peacock-Farrell in goal to Lee Gregory up top. They’ve also got Saido Berahino on the books, who previously cost Stoke City £12,000,000 back in 2017. Money well spent, eh?
Who’s In The Dugout?
Former West Brom and Doncaster manager Darren Moore. He’s been at Wednesday since March, being unable to save them from relegation last season.
What’s Their Recent Form Like?
Three wins and two defeats in the last five.
Any Ex-United Players?
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing. Played eleven times for us back in 2014/15 whilst on loan from local comedy outfit/relegation certainties P*sh. Scored once, then somehow ended up playing in the Prem for Cardiff.
Last Time Out
Worth watching on repeat just for George Williams diving header under the Abbey lights
A Matchday Album to Listen To:
Despite Sheffield being rich in musical heritage (Heaven 17, Cabaret Voltaire, Pulp, Arctic Monkeys, the Warp Records label), we’ve ventured to the other end of the country for this weeks album to listen to. Metronomy are back with their seventh album Small World. A great return to form for the Devon five-piece.
From The Archive
Do I go for the 4-0 FA Cup win in 1991 or Mingoia’s screamer in 2016? Neither. Those that know me know my love for the 1998/99 away shirt, and it was this game at Hillsborough in September 98 that helped cement that love.
The UTAS Teams Terrible Moosenet Predictions
Owen: 1-0, Ironside with a probable foul on the keeper after five minutes
Jack: 3-1 Wednesday, Tolaj for the U’s
Jordan: 3-1 Wednesday, HMS Ironside
Tom: 1-1 Big Joe
Jules: 2-2 Big Wes
Matt: 2-1 United, May & Ironside
Under The Abbey Stand 
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