Did it deliver?
For the match, it delivered only partly: one first-half goal and a scrappy second half left it short of its billing. It was tight and competitive, but the quality and drama never matched the pre-match hype.
Sheffield United won 1-0 by making the most of a dominant first-half spell, when Brereton Díaz scored after a run of efforts from Lewis O'Brien and Harrison Burrows. The hosts had 13 shots to Wrexham's 9, 73 dangerous attacks to 27 and 7 corners to none. Only 4 of those shots hit the target, though, and the margin stayed thin. Wrexham defended with 27 tackles and committed 16 fouls, and managed just one shot on target and no big chances. The second half passed with no important moments, only a string of substitutions and bookings for Kitching and Phillips, and the Blades saw the game out. It is a hard-earned three points that keep Sheffield United moving, while Wrexham leave with little to show for a disciplined but toothless display.
Mid-table Sheffield United welcome Wrexham to Bramall Lane on Friday night, with Callum O'Hare facing his old club. Both sides are looking to respond to their latest results, and the Blades have injury worries of their own. Wrexham have lost their last four away league games.
Wrexham's creative spark against his old club, motivated to make an impact on his return.
With Oné out and Bamford doubtful, the striker may have to lead the Blades' attack.
His crossing and set-piece delivery from the left could be the Blades' best route to goal against a Wrexham side struggling away from home.
A physical target man who gives Wrexham an aerial threat and a focal point while their attack is depleted.
Sheffield United
Wrexham
Daniel Imray takes a left-footed shot but misses.
Sydie Peck's right-footed shot is saved.
George Dobson takes a shot with his head, but it misses the target.
Mark McGuinness is substituted for Hamza Choudhury.
Tyrese Campbell is on, and Romelle Donovan is off.
Offside.
Oliver Arblaster replaces Ben Brereton.
Corner awarded.
Corner awarded.
Daniel Imray is substituted for Issa Kabore.
On George Thomason, off Jacques Ekomie.
George Dobson is substituted for Ben Sheaf.
Offside.
Femi Seriki is on, and Tahith Chong is off.
Substitution: Thomas Cannon comes on for Jordan Ayew.
Kalvin Phillips Yellow CardKalvin Phillips receives a yellow card.
Liam Kitching attempts a header but misses the shot.
Corner awarded.
Romelle Donovan takes a left-footed shot but misses.
Corner awarded.
Liam Kitching receives a yellow card.
Sam Smith takes a shot with his head, but it misses the target.
Offside.
Offside.
Kieffer Moore takes a left-footed shot but misses.
Offside.
Max Cleworth is on, and Dominic Hyam is off.
On comes Sam Smith, off goes Oliver Rathbone.
First half ends with a score of 1-0.
Corner awarded.
Oliver Rathbone takes a left-footed shot, but it misses the target.
Offside.
Jacques Ekomie takes a left-footed shot but misses.
Corner awarded.
Sydie Peck's right-footed shot is blocked.
Ben Brereton takes a shot with his right foot and scores.
Jordan Ayew's right-footed shot is saved.
Tahith Chong takes a left-footed shot, but it is blocked.
Goal! Ben Brereton scores to make it 1-0.
Callum DoyleYellow CardCallum Doyle receives a yellow card.
Harrison Burrows takes a left-footed shot, but it is blocked.
Lewis O'Brien takes a right-footed shot but misses.
Sydie Peck takes a right-footed shot, but it is saved.
Shot - Ben Brereton Head Shot Missed
Corner awarded.
Sydie Peck takes a right-footed shot but misses.
Jordan Ayew takes a left-footed shot, but it misses the target.
Kick-off! The referee is David Webb.
