After more than five years of waiting, Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United fans get to bask in the tension, glory, and pain of a Steel City derby once more. But, who are the best players from both teams?
Over recent years, Sheffield Wednesday have had to look over at the other side of the city and watch their local rivals enjoy two bites at the Premier League cherry — albeit with an unhappy ending both times.
Meanwhile, the Owls have battled their way out of League One and fought for survival in the Championship. But, when the two teams meet on Sunday afternoon, none of that history will matter.
Danny Rohl takes charge of his 50th game for Wednesday, and get his first taste of the Steel City derby. Rohl described the upcoming fixture as a ‘special game’ and has tasked his players with rising to the challenge.
The city may be divided, but what would happen if we brought together the best of the best from both teams? We’ve put together a combined XI of the Steel City players, and it doesn’t make pleasant reading for Sheffield Wednesday fans.
- READ MORE: ‘It’s all talk’… Chris Wilder plays down key Sheffield United vs Sheffield Wednesday talking point
Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United combined XI
Michael Cooper
Granted, James Beadle is a top young goalkeeper, but Michael Cooper is undoubtedly one of the best between the sticks in the Championship. To be honest, the United stopper should be in the Premier League, and probably would be were it not for his injury issues last year.
Alfie Gilchrist
The Blades picked up a brilliant signing in the summer when they borrowed Alfie Gilchrist from Chelsea, and the young-full back is one who will go to the very top. He’s continuing his development nicely at Bramall Lane this season, and is set for a successful campaign in the second tier.
Anel Ahmedhodzic
One of the key survivors of Sheffield United’s drop from the Premier League last season, Ahmedhodzic is a rock at the back, is incredibly reliable and consistent, and is arguably one of the best centre-halves in the Championship.
Di’Shon Bernard
In just his second full season in senior football, Di’Shon Bernard has been a shining light for Sheffield Wednesday and continues to flourish with the responsibility he has been given by Rohl. A calm and composed ball-playing centre-half is hard to find, but Bernard has what it takes to grow into one of the best in the league.
Marvin Johnson
He may be 33-years-old now, but Marvin Johnson continues to excel and offers so much creativity for the Owls down that left side. As a free transfer, there’s no doubt Marvin Johnson has been one of the best signings Wednesday have made in recent years.
Vinicius Souza
Working out how to stop Vinicius Souza will be one of the key tactical elements of Danny Rohl’s gameplan ahead of the derby. The Brazilian is an adept playmaker, offers impeccable protection for his defenders, and is able to control games from the middle of the park.
Barry Bannan
What a career Barry Bannan has had, especially in his time in S6. The midfielder is a Sheffield Wednesday legend, an incredible leader, and still has the quality to affect games as a deep-lying playmaker despite his age. It’s no wonder Sheffield United icon Chris Basham described Bannan as a ‘dangerous’ player the Blades will need to watch in the Steel City derby.
| Statistic | Barry Bannan 2024/25 (all competitions) |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 17 |
| Minutes played | 1,270 |
| Pass completion % | 72.2 |
| Shot-creating actions per 90 | 3.86 |
| Goals and assists | 4 |
Gustavo Hamer
Sheffield United are blessed with a midfield roster brimming with talent, and Gustavo Hamer offers so much for Chris Wilder’s side. Not only is he another sturdy defensive midfielder who can break up play and turnover possession, but he has a great habit of popping up with key goals when it matters, too.
Josh Windass
The forward is set to make his 150th appearance for Wednesday in the Steel City derby, and his influence at the club over the years cannot be understated. Josh Windass has more than 50 goal contributions, many of which have come at crucial times to steer the Owls to promotion and/or survival, and his work rate in attacking areas is integral to Rohl’s high-energy system.
Kieffer Moore
Sheffield Wednesday will quietly be thanking their blessings that Kieffer Moore is set to miss the Steel City derby through injury. The Welsh forward is the kind of old-school centre-forward defenders absolutely hate to come up against; Moore is strong, aggressive, good with his feet, and constantly roams around looking for pockets of space.
Jesurun Rak-Sakyi
United picked up another top quality youngster on loan this summer, with the acquisition of Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi. He’s one of the most exciting young players in the game right now, and he’s already proving his worth in the Championship this season. It’s only a matter of time before he makes an impact in the top flight with Palace.
Danny Rohl has the edge over Chris Wilder
When it comes to managers, it’s a tough contest between the two Sheffield coaches. Chris Wilder has years of experience over his younger counterpart, and is a perfect example of the more traditional football manager, with his preference for a more direct style of play, effective motivational skills, and a desire to win at all costs.
But, in his relatively short managerial career, Danny Rohl has proven himself to be a fantastic tactician, who has the flexibility to change things up when his team needs a different approach. Rohl’s experience with Bayern Munich and the German national team have been valuable to his progression, and he’s perhaps the most talented and exciting young coach in the whole Championship.