Sheffield United travel to Oxford United still searching for their first point of the 2025/26 season, and still chasing a first league goal since the opening day.
The Blades’ struggles have been consistent; they have lost the midfield battle in every competitive outing so far, failing to compete physically, offering little defensive protection, and showing no ability to control the tempo of games. That lack of structure has left the defence exposed and cut off supply lines to the attack, making creativity almost non-existent.
United conceded a 90th minute goal to lose against Charlton Athletic at Bramall Lane last Saturday. This weekend’s challenge is far from straightforward for the Blades as well. Oxford United come into the match buoyed by an eye-catching 3-1 victory away at a very good Bristol City team.
There is also a symbolic element to this fixture on Saturday. It was here last season that United’s automatic promotion hopes began to unravel, as a poor result triggered a damaging run of form.
Struggling Sheffield United Midfield Set to Face Off Against Exciting Oxford United Man
One player who could be decisive is Brian De Keersmaecker, a summer signing from Dutch side Heracles. The 25-year-old Belgian midfielder endured an injury-hit start to life in England, but has now played 90 minutes in three straight matches. Rowett has praised him highly, describing his performance at Ashton Gate as more “complete” and suggesting that he is “going to be a top player”, he told BBC Sport.
Last season in the Eredivisie, he made 31 league appearances for Heracles, scoring five goals and providing three assists. When you compare him to Championship midfielders based on his performance data over the last 365 days, it’s easy to see why the U’s are getting excited over a player who already has a couple of assists to his name.
How Can Brian De Keersmaecker Hurt A Wounded Blades Midfield?
While the Belgian ranks slightly above average in his tackling stats, he excels in blocking passing lanes and winning the ball back with his positioning and anticipation (92nd percentile for passes blocked and 89th percentile for interceptions).
With the ball at his feet, De Keersmaecker isn’t a midfielder that is going to slow the game down and be conservative. Instead, he gives you the ability to play long effectively (ranking in the 82nd percentile for long passes completed). Given how easily Sheffield United have been exposed on quick attacks this season, this alone could cause the Blades huge issues on Saturday afternoon. He also ranks in the 96th percentile for switches of play.
De Keersmaecker is also a dual-threat midfielder in terms of progressing the ball; he’s averaged over five progressive passes per 90 (67th percentile), and he averages just under two progressive carries per 90 (80th percentile).
Dare I say it, right now, you have to trust Oxford’s midfield over Sheffield United’s, especially if De Keersmaecker is starting.
Stats taken from FBref.