THE OPPOSITION
Having just run out of steam in the promotion race towards the end of last season, Chris Wilder's Blades are once more among the pace-setters this time round, heading to West London fifth in the table.
United would be even higher were they not on a run of just one win in their last six, that coming at home to Wigan Athletic exactly a month ago. The Blades' away form has also taken a bit of a nose-dive in recent weeks with just one point gained from their last three road games.
Billy Sharp is again living up to his name, leading The Blades' scoring charts with ten goals in 16 games while summer arrival from Ipswich Town, David McGoldrick, has found the net five times.
The experienced striker was one of nine summer arrivals at Bramall Lane. Former Bee John Egan, Kean Bryan, Martin Cranie, and Conor Washington also signed permanently while Ben Woodburn, Dean Henderson, Oliver Norwood, and Marvin Johnson arrived on loan.
TEAM NEWS
Thomas Frank will be able to welcome back Romaine Sawyers from suspension for tonight's game while Emiliano Marcondes and Rico Henry made their first appearances of the season as substitutes on Saturday evening against Middlesbrough.
Ollie Watkins and Kamohelo Mokotjo both missed Saturday's game through injury and their participation tonight is unknown. The Bees' boss will, however, definitely be without Julian Jeanvier, Marcus Forss, and Said Benrahma.
The Blades have no fresh injury concerns for tonight's game.
THE MANAGER
Chris Wilder is building up an impressive CV with four promotions to his name as a manager thus far. A defender during his playing-career, he made nearly 500 appearances for Sheffield United, Rotherham United, and Halifax Town amongst others over a 15-year period.
After retiring in 2001, he took over at Alfreton Town and won four trophies during his 27 weeks in charge. A six-year spell at Halifax Town followed before the club was wound up in 2008 and he moved to Oxford United, via Bury. Promotion through the Play-Offs came during his first full season and he followed that up with two top-half finishes back in League Two.
In January 2014, Wilder departed The Kassam Stadium for Northampton Town. After saving The Cobblers from relegation that season, he led them to the League Two title in May 2015, with a points tally of 99. Nigel Atkins' departure at Bramall Lane saw Wilder take over at his boyhood club in May 2016 and he proved to be an instant success as The Blades ran away with the League One title during his first season in charge before narrowly missing out on the Play-Offs last time round.
LAST-TIME AROUND
PRE-MATCH FEATURES
READ: BBC Sheffield's Andy Giddings analyses where the game will be decided
REF WATCH: Stephen Martin is tonight's match referee
TICKETS AND TRAVEL
There is no matchday price increase this evening so tickets will be on General Sale right up to kick-off from just £25 adults and £8 juniors. Get your tickets here.
Supporters heading to tonight’s game should be aware of major roadworks on the A4 which will affect journey times to Griffin Park. There is currently one lane closed Eastbound between Boston Manor Road and Ealing Road while the A4 will be shut, in both directions, between Clayponds Avenue and Ealing Road from 10pm tonight.
MATCH COVERAGE
Matchday Live will be brought to you from Griffin Park with live iFollow commentary and analysis from the New Road Stand. Mark Burridge is your host, and he'll be joined by Mick Cabble and Richard Lee from 7.15pm.
Tonight's match will also be broadcast live on iFollow for both domestic and international supporters. For more information click here.
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