Chris Wilder's Sheffield United are expected to line up in their usual aggressive, high-energy style, pressing from the front and looking to dominate the wide areas. The formation is not confirmed, but you can bet on a back three with wing-backs providing the width, and a midfield built on second-ball recovery and quick transitions. Wilder's teams are never passive — they hunt in packs, force errors, and punish teams who try to play out from the back. At Bramall Lane, that intensity only multiplies.

Birmingham, with their coach and formation unconfirmed, will likely set up to frustrate. Expect a low block, a compact shape, and an emphasis on staying in the game for as long as possible. They'll look to hit on the counter, maybe through a lone striker or a quick wide man, but their main job will be to absorb pressure and hope for a set-piece or a moment of individual quality. The problem is, Sheffield United's pressing trap can make life miserable for sides that sit deep — they'll force mistakes in dangerous areas and turn them into chances.

The midfield battle will be crucial. Sheffield United's double pivot, whoever it consists of, will look to control the tempo and feed the half-space runners. Birmingham will try to clog the middle and make it a dogfight, but if the Blades get their passing going, they can knife through any defence. Set pieces could also be a factor — Wilder's teams are always a threat from dead balls, and Birmingham will need to be alert to that.