After a twelve-year absence from the top flight, Sheffield United took the Premier League by storm last season with free-flowing attacking football as well as solid defensive work.

Chris Wilder's side were definitely the surprise package last season but with teams now knowing what to expect, will the Blades be able to build on their very impressive ninth-placed finish?

The main goal for the Blades will be to maintain their status amongst the country's elite for another season, hitting the forty point mark as early as possible will be of paramount importance for Chris Wilder and his players.

After a run to the FA Cup quarterfinal last season, the Blades may have their eyes on another cup run if their league season goes to plan. 

  • Recapping pre-season

Sheffield United have played four pre-season games in preparation for the new season and did not lose a single game. The first game against Dundee was abandoned at half time with the Blades leading due to a waterlogged pitch.

This was followed by victories against Hearts and Derby County before a draw with Preston North End.

Youth prospect Regan Slater impressed throughout the course of pre-season, showing adaptability as well as genuine signs of quality, firstly by fitting in at wing-back before moving to a centre midfield role. He showed a great passing range as well as determination and grit. If he does not go out on loan, we could see him feature this season at some point.

  • Transfer business

After fan favourite's goalkeeper Dean Henderson's loan ended at Bramall Lane after racking up a superb 13 clean sheets, Chris Wilder was in the hunt for a new number one.

He turned to former Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale who had just been relegated with AFC Bournemouth. Wilder signed the boyhood Blade for £18.5million. He also provided competition for the England U21 international with the signing of Wes Foderingham from Rangers for free.

Chris Wilder has also bolstered his defence with the signing of Derby County duo Max Lowe and Jaydan Bogle. This will provide good competition for usual wing backs, Enda Stevens and George Baldock, something that the Blades have lacked in recent years.

Wales international Ethan Ampadu has also joined the Blades on a season-long loan from Chelsea to provide more cover in defensive areas.

Sheffield United have also added to their strike force with the signing of Oliver Burke from West Brom with Callum Robinson going the other way in a swap deal. 

  • Who is Sheffield United's key player?

The Sheffield United side is littered with quality in all areas in the pitch but this could be the year where club-record signing Sander Berge makes a name for himself at Bramall Lane. After signing in the January transfer window the Norwegian international didn't hit the ground running as well as would have liked at Sheffield United.

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However, during Project Restart he started to find his feet and got his first goal since joining with an impressive finish against Tottenham Hotspur.

Having now adapted to his role in Sheffield United's unique system it is now time for Berge to make himself a hero at Lane. In pre-season he showed off his pace and power going forward at the ball at his feet. With midfield competitor John Lundstram's future up in the air, Sander Berge can cement himself in Chris Wilder's side.

Key dates

Monday, 14 September - Matchday One | Sheffield United vs Wolves

Sunday, 27 September - Matchday Three | Sheffield United vs Leeds

Saturday, 26 December - Matchday 15 | Sheffield United vs Everton

Saturday, 3 April - Matchday 30 | Leeds vs Sheffield United

Sunday, 23 May - Matchday 38 | Sheffield United vs Burnley

  • Writer's verdict

Sheffield United will stay up, comfortably. They are too good of a footballing team to be drawn into a relegation battle. However, I don't believe they will not be able to challenge for a European spot due to the money that the bigger teams in the division possess. 

I think a solid mid-table finish is on the cards for Chris Wilder's side, and it will be another building block into establishing Sheffield United as a Premier League side.

I'm sure the Blades will be able to claim a few scalps from the big teams as they did last season but consistency will be key in order for the Blades to do well. 

I'm tipping them to finish 10th.