Mark Lawrenson has praised Sheffield United’s start to the season. The Blades have won one, draw two and lost one of their first four games back in the top flight and the TV pundit says he has been impressed by how Chris Wilder sets up his team.

The former defender believes the United boss has managed to set up a solid defensive unit, and he thinks many Premier League teams were come unstuck against them:

“I just think people might underestimate them a little bit. When they don’t play well, generally, they are still difficult to play against – and if they can do that all season, then they will stay in the Premier League.”

Lawrenson is backing the Blades to come out on top against an inconsistent Southampton at Bramall Lane:

“I think their good start will continue this weekend too. Southampton are another team who have had some very mixed performances and results this season, which is why I am backing the Blades to pick up another three points.”

The ex-Liverpool player has gone for a tight 2-1 win, which would take Sheffield United onto eight points from their first five games; a total which would delight fans.

The Blades do have a few injury concerns heading into the game but Wilder has built a squad with a lot of depth, and they will certainly give the Saints a game tomorrow afternoon.