Sheffield United have unveiled their lineup for today’s high-stakes showdown against West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns, and fans have been left stunned by a shock name on the teamsheet. With Harry Souttar and Anel Ahmedhodzic both ruled out due to suspension, manager Chris Wilder has been forced into a defensive shake-up that no one saw coming.

Sheffield United have been forced into a defensive reshuffle for this afternoon’s showdown against West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns. With Harry Souttar and Anel Ahmedhodzic both suspended, Chris Wilder has had to assemble a makeshift backline to face Carlos Corberan’s side

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Chelsea loanee Alfie Gilchrist moves across to centre-half, partnering captain Jack Robinson, while Femi Seriki, who has caught the eye with his energetic performances, slots in at right-back to replace Souttar following his red card in last Friday’s victory over Sunderland.

In a boost for the Blades, Rhian Brewster makes his return to the matchday squad after over a month out with a contact injury sustained against Blackburn Rovers. He takes his place on the bench, but Kieffer Moore remains absent as he continues to recover from a calf injury. Wilder expects Moore to be fit for Wednesday’s trip to Millwall.

Another notable inclusion is Jamal Baptiste, the ex-West Ham and Manchester City defender, who earns a spot on the bench after signing earlier this season following a successful trial with the U21s.

Blades XI: Cooper; Seriki, Gilchrist, Robinson, Burrows; Souza, Peck, Rak-Sakyi; O’Hare, Hamer, Campbell. Subs: Davies, Baptiste, McCallum, Brewster, Shackleton, Davies, One, Brooks, Norrington-Davies.

The Baggies’ squad also features several familiar faces. Former United defender Kyle Bartley starts, while ex-Blades loanee Mason Holgate is on the bench. West Brom’s roster includes players with past links to United, such as Mikey Johnston, Devante Cole, and John Swift, while former Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith also makes the bench for Albion.