Billy Sharp has been recalled to the Sheffield United team to face Leeds United on Saturday, it has been confirmed.
Manager Chris Wilder revealed at his media conference on Thursday morning that the prolific striker will start and captain his side at Elland Road this weekend.
Wilder explained how he chose to “hold him back” on the bench for the last two matches in readiness to return for the clash of the automatic promotion hopefuls in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off.
Billy Sharp will start and captain Blades on Saturday, Wilder says. Been on bench last 2 games to "hold him back". #twitterblades #lufc
— Richard Sutcliffe (@RSooty73) March 14, 2019
OPINION
Should Leeds be flattered or worried? Only time will tell, although Wilder’s gamble of starting Sharp on the bench against Rotherham and Brentford paid off, with his side securing consecutive 2-0 victories. The striker is 33 and his game time needs to be managed carefully, with United making the sensible move of strengthening their forward ranks in January with the loan signing of Scott Hogan from Aston Villa. With David McGoldrick also a real threat in front of goal – he has 12 league goals to his name this season – United are not short of attacking threat, and their run of form is even hotter than second-placed Leeds, with five wins from their last six matches. That said, Sharp is a man Leeds will fear. He has an impressive record against them and his haul of 22 league goals this season demonstrates his powers have not been dimmed in the slightest. Pablo Hernandez won’t be the only 33-year-old dangerman on the pitch on Saturday.